Madhavan Unny

S Sulficar

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IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS)  
e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 10, Issue 5 Ver. I (May. 2017), PP 54-55 
www.iosrjournals.org 
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1005015455                                    www.iosrjournals.org                                          54 | Page 
 
Jatropha Multifida Poisoning In A Malabari Goat 
 
Sulficar, S
1
 and Madhavan Unny, N
2
 
1
(Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India) 
2
(Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary 
and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India) 
 
Abstract: A rare case of Jatropha multifida poisoning in a adult Malabari goat is reported. Clinical signs were 
related to the gastrointestinal system with diarrhea and resultant dehydration. Perusal of literature did not 
reveal any report of Jatrapha multifida poisoning in animals in India. 
Keywords: Goat, Jatropha multifida poisoning 
 
I. Introduction 
Jatropha is a nonedible oil seed plant belonging to Euphorbiaceae family. The Spurge family 
(Euphorbiaceae) is a large family of flowering plants with 321 genera and around 7550 species [1]. The genus 
Jatropha is widespread in the tropical regions of the world such as Americas, Africa and parts of the Asian 
subcontinent. The major toxic principle in Jatropha seeds are phorbol esters [2]. J. multifida is a large shrub with 
distinctive large dark green leaves cut deeply into 7-11 narrow lobes, margins of each lobe being dissected into 
narrow pointed segments. The fruits are three lobed, 2.5 cm long, smooth and yellowish. [3]. Perusal of 
literature did not reveal any report of Jatropha multifida poisoning in animals in India.  
 
II. Case Study 
A three year old 30 kg Malabari doe was presented to University Veterinary Hospital Kokkalai, 
Thrissur, with the history of   anorexia, weakness, diarrhoea and lethargy that had progressively worsened over 
the preceding two days. During history collection, it was revealed that the animal had consumed a particular 
plant, which the owner was not familiar with, from a new grazing area for the last two days. On examination, 
the animal was dull and depressed. Dehydration was evident on skin tenting examination along with moderately 
sunken eyeballs (Fig. 1). On clinical examination, the rectal temperature of the goat was 103.0˚F and rumen 
motility was 2 per minute. Feacal sample was negative for ova of parasites. The owner was asked to bring the 
plant sample and he brought the same and informed that there were fruits also in these plants. The plant was 
identified with expert support as Jatropha multifida (Fig. 2). A tentative diagnosis of J. multifida toxicosis was 
made based on the history of grazing these plants and presence of characteristic gastrointestinal signs which 
have been reported [4]. The case was treated symptomatically with lactated Ringer's solution 300 ml followed 
by 5% dextrose 500 ml (slow intravenous) along with B complex injection (Inj. Beplex forte 1 ml 
intramuscularly).  A single dose of activated charcoal (2 g/kg orally) was also given. Treatment was continued 
for three days and complete recovery was observed. 
 
III. Discussion 
It has been opined that history of consumption of plant and seed and positive identification of ingested 
plant as Jatropha is a must for diagnosing toxicity in ingested animals in case of J.curcas poisoning[5]. 
Phytotoxins are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in appreciable quantities to result in poisoning. The 
toxicity of J. multifida is attributed to its seeds. The seeds are known to contain two main toxins that could lead 
to clinical signs after ingestion. The first type includes a variety of diterpenoid esters, including the tigliane-
type, such as citlalitrione, curcusones, and riolozatrione [6]. These toxins have been shown by in vitro studies to 
have the potential to cause cardiac and respiratory depression. The second toxin type is known as toxalbumins, 
which are proteins known to inhibit protein synthesis, similar to the effects of ricin [7]. It has been reported that 
that curcin and phorbol esters are the two main substances that have been associated with the toxicity of 
Jatropha species[8]. Phorbol esters are the most toxic molecules in Jatropha species. The clinical signs in the 
present study could be attributed to the effects of both these toxins. Acute toxicity in goat due to  Jatropha 
curcas  seeds were reported when given at a  dose ranging between 0.25 to 10 g/kg/day[9]. During dosing 
period, symptoms like diarrhoea and loosing ability to keep normal posture were seen in the goat and mortality 
occurred between day 7 and 21 after extract administration. In a study conducted, sheep  receiving  pericarp of 
Jatropha curcas  in 15 % concentration, after 10 days of  pericarp ingestion produced decrease in food intake, 
diarrhoea, dehydration and loss of body condition[10]. Similar findings were reported in another study ie. 
profused diarrhoea, rapid respiration and abdominal pain, salivation, moaning, anorexia, reduced water intake, 
ataxia and recumbency in Jatropha toxicity[11]. It was found that animals usually limit their intake of plants 
Jatropha Multifida Poisoning In A Malabari Goat  
DOI: 10.9790/2380-1005015455                                    www.iosrjournals.org                                          55 | Page 
containing toxins through feedback mechanisms that link the body with the palate [12]. Toxins exert adverse 
effects on the body that feedback via various nerves to the palate, which in turn enables animals to satiate/stop 
eating a particular food. This toxin satiation threshold is specific to various toxins or a combination of toxins 
and nutrients. In this case the animal might have stopped feeding of toxic plant based on above principle and 
supportive treatment hastened the recovery within three days. The possibility of poisoning with Jatropha 
multifida should be borne in mind while treating cases with signs suggestive of such poisoning when ruminants 
are presented from areas with Jatropha multifida in grazing areas. 
 
IV. Figures 
 
Fig.1 Goat suffering from marked depression, dehydration and weakness after ingestion of Jatropha muiltifida 
 
 
Fig, 2. Leaves of Jatropha multifida with dried fruits brought by the farmer 
 
V. Conclusion 
A report of plant poisoning in a Malabari goat with Jatropha multifida, the clinical signs of importance 
and the treatment adopted is discussed. Jatropha multifida poisoning in ruminants in India has not been reported. 
 
Acknowledgements 
The authors wish to thank the authorities of University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Thrissur for the facilities 
provided.  
 
References 
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Bangladesh. Research in Plant Sciences 1:74-80.  
[2]. Makkar, H.P.S. and Becker, K. 1998. Jatropha curcas toxicity: Identification of toxic  principle(s), In: Toxic Plants and Other     
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Jatropha Multifida Poisoning In A Malabari Goat

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Jatropha Multifida Poisoning In A Malabari Goat

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