Abstract

Misbah Kazi*, Alok Gude

ABSTRACT

Cleistanthus collinus or Garari (Phyllanthaceae) is a small poisonous tree encountered in dry forests of southern and central parts of India. The plant is the cause of deliberate and accidental poisoning in rural parts of India. The fresh leaves or decoction is the common manner of consumption for suicidal purposes. Patients exhibits eye symptoms, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypokalemia, elevated levels of AST, CPK-MB, LDH, abnormal ECG, metabolic acidosis, renal injury and hypoxia. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Cardiac glycoside property of inhibition of ATPase activity is major mechanism of toxicity. Respiratory and cardiac arrest are the usual mode of death. Diphyllin, Cleistanthin A, Cleistanthin B are prominent phytoconstituents that belong to category of arylnalpthalide lignans and glycosides. The active ingredients of plant exhibit cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, pesticidal and antioxidant properties. The plant extract inhibits adult emergence in mosquito vector species, is useful against many broad range of bacteria ranging from E. coli to Staphylococcus, and also suppresses viral core protein p24 expression in HIV-1. Many cancer cell lines of carcinoma, lymphoma and sarcoma are suppressed by Cleistanthins. The plant shows considerable anticandidal activity, is useful as acaricide, insecticide, piscicide, rodenticide, and is also beneficial in killing aphides. The plant helps to control agricultural pests and is traditionally used as goat feed, in hair growth, and to make wooden articles and equipment thus serving many needs.