Calotropis

forensic medicine

1. CALOTROPIS LAKSHMI S

2. Two types are common CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA CALOTROPIS PROCERA WHITE TO PURPLE FLOWERS NOT SCENTED WHITE TO PINK FLOWERS SCENTED LAKSHMI 2

3. ACTIVE PRINCIPLES When the leaves & stems are incised thick milky juice is extruded which contains the active principles CALOTROPIN CALOTOXIN CALACTIN GIGANTIN USHARIN LAKSHMI 3

4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS The milky juice of the plant ( madar juice) causes local irritation , inflammation & vesication When instilled into eyes it produces conjunctivitis which may result in permanent impairment of vision When ingested it causes burning pain from mouth to oesophagus followed by salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, tetanic convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma & death It also produces arrhythmias & A-V block FATAL DOSE is uncertain FATAL PERIOD is about 6-12 hours LAKSHMI 4

5. TREATMENT NOTE: To change images on this slide, select a picture and delete it. Then click the Insert Picture icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. STOMACH WASH WITH WARM WATER DEMULCENTS (Mineral Oil) GLUCOSE SALINE I.V SYMPTOMATIC MANAGEMENT LAKSHMI 5

6. DILATED PUPILS , FROTH AT NOSTRILS & STOMATITIS ALL INTERNAL ORGANS ARE CONGESTED BRAIN IS CONGESTED & OEDEMATOUS MUCOSA OF GIT WILL BE INFLAMED AND SHOWS NECROSIS POSTMORTEM FINDINGS LAKSHMI 6

7. VISCERA TAKEN FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS ALL THE BOTTLES MUST BE LABELLED , PACKED WITH BROWN PAPER & SEALED LAKSHMI 7

8. MEDICOLEGAL IMPORTANCE All parts of the plant are used in I ndian medicine – the flowers as digestive stimulants , the powdered root as emetic & the milky juice as a vesicant , depilatory and for treatment of chronic skin conditions Accidental poisoning is common when introduced into the uterus to produce abortion by quakes using abortion sticks Used for infanticide by giving juice through mouth Used to produce artificial bruise Used as an arrow poison Used as a cattle poison: By mixing with fodder or the juice is smeared on the cloth and introduced into rectum LAKSHMI 8

9. LAKSHMI 9