ZAPATITOS DE LA VIRGEN
The roots, stems, and leaves of the plant are known to be toxic.[4][18] These parts of the plant contain euphorbol (a complex terpene) and other diterpene esters.[4][18] These are also known carcinogens.[4][18] The plant's leaves and stems also contain beta-sitosterol, cycloartenone, octacosanol, and oxime, all of which have known medicinal as well as toxic properties.[20]
Even minor amounts (a few drops) of the juice of the Euphorbia tithymaloides root can irritate mucosal membranes.[18] When ingested, the irritation of the mucosal membranes of the stomach and intestines will cause nausea and vomiting.[4][18] Topical application causes skin irritation, inflammation, and even blisters.[4][18] If introduced topically to the eye, severe pain, keratoconjunctivitis, and reduced visual actuity occur.[4][18] Ingesting even a few seeds can cause violent and persistent vomiting and extreme diarrhea.[18]
If latex or root juice gets on the skin, the victim should immediately wash with soap and warm water.[18] If latex or juice gets in the eye, continuous rinsing with fresh water should be the first course of action.[18] Topical steroids are indicated for skin or eye contact.[18] Intravenous fluids are often administered to counteract the fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea.[18]
Medicinal usage
The root is known to be a powerful emetic.[2][18] A proteolytic enzyme known as pedilanthain can be extracted from the plant's latex, and has been shown in experiments to be effective against intestinal worms and to reduce inflammation when ingested.[18][20] In 1995, a galactose-specific lectin was purified from the plant's latex, and indications are that it might be useful in combatting diabetes mellitus.[21]In folk medicine, tea has been brewed from the leaves which has been used to treat asthma, persistent coughing, laryngitis, mouth ulcers, and venereal disease.[18] Tea brewed from the root has been used as an abortifacient.[18] The latex has been used topically to treat calluses, ear ache, insect stings, ringworm, skin cancer, toothache, umbilical hernias, and warts.[18] None of these uses has been scientifically verified as effective.[18] In the West Indies, a few drops of the latex is added to milk and used as an emetic.[
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