Cleistanthus Collinus
Definition
Oduvanthalai, a deciduous shrub of the Tamil Nadu Salem-Erode belt whose leaf decoction causes hypokalaemia, distal renal tubular acidosis and ARDS. Peak suicidal use 1970-2010; sale of the leaf banned by Tamil Nadu in 2011 but residual cases continue.
- Common name
- Oduvanthalai
- Region
- Tamil Nadu, Salem-Erode belt
- Toxic effects
- Hypokalaemia, distal RTA, ARDS
- Peak use
- 1970-2010, suicidal poisoning
- Legal status
- Leaf sale banned in Tamil Nadu, 2011
Common questions
Why is distal renal tubular acidosis significant in Cleistanthus collinus poisoning?+
It is a distinguishing clinical feature that helps differentiate this poisoning from other plant or pesticide toxidromes seen in the same region, and the resulting hypokalaemia is often severe enough to cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia before other organ effects become apparent.
Has the 2011 ban ended cases of Cleistanthus collinus poisoning?+
No, residual cases continue despite the ban, since the shrub grows wild and a legal prohibition on sale does not remove existing access to the plant in the areas where it is native.
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