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Don't eat croton warns Dr. Jayasumana

31 January 2017 11:30 pm - 21     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A medical expert said croton leaves were not edible and as such urged people not to consume them.

Dr. Channa Jayasumana, who heads the Pharmacology and Toxicologist Department of the Rajarata University's Medical Faculty, said the croton plant contains oil which was violently purgative and irritating qualities and is also suspected of being a co-carcinogen.

“Even when dried the plant retains its poisonous properties. Although certain South East Asian and South American tribes are able to detoxify croton leaves it is a complex procedure. In Chinese medicine, croton is used to induce loose motions,” he said.

Dr. Jayasumana said there were a few reports during the past couple of days that some people had consumed croton leaves resulting in abdominal symptoms though they were not of a serious nature.

“It is surprising as to why the Director General of Agriculture described croton as a consumable plant while we have hundreds of edible plants in the country, “he said.(Kelum Bandara)


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  Comments - 21

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  • Eds Wednesday, 01 February 2017 09:40 AM

    So that means the government tried to poison and kill us?This junta should be charged for "Attempted Croton Genocide" !

    sumith peiris Monday, 06 February 2017 01:25 PM

    Mutton eatin' croton

    DR. Know Wednesday, 01 February 2017 11:14 PM

    Could be due to your Bull DNA. Croton is poison. Contains Cancer inducing chemicals.

    NR Wednesday, 01 February 2017 08:12 PM

    Did 'Natha Deviyo' tell this to you:-)

    Thepanis Wednesday, 01 February 2017 07:56 PM

    Correction to my earlier comment. Coppa kola is not in the same family as Croton. Sorry. However, villagers often, in general use, call coppa kola 'croton because of the similarity in looks.

    Brexit Wednesday, 01 February 2017 02:23 PM

    Ok then please keep keep eat

    Rohitha Wednesday, 01 February 2017 02:08 PM

    I never heard about Croton leaves eating. But you can eat coppa cola as malluma. (polyscias balfouriana) I think he misunderstood for this plant as both are growing together in our village alog with fence.

    Sunil Wednesday, 01 February 2017 01:54 PM

    and bulls, too.

    Upali Wednesday, 01 February 2017 01:26 PM

    Obviously the Director General said this to make the people feel that there will be nothing to eat if the drought continues. I am not surprised that the politicians do not understand it in the correct context. I never expect the so called academics to take it seriously. Obviously to gain mileage.

    Casanova Wednesday, 01 February 2017 10:06 AM

    Give it to cows, if they eat I bet we too can consume, if it doesn't,get away from it dude.

    ANTON Wednesday, 01 February 2017 09:51 AM

    BALLAGE VADEY BOOROVO KARANDA GIYAHAMA OHOMA VENAVA..........

    Sri Lankan Wednesday, 01 February 2017 02:18 AM

    expert via DM Android App

    Eds Wednesday, 01 February 2017 09:38 AM

    Thats what we will have to do very soon considering the cost of rice

    Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 01 February 2017 08:11 AM

    In time to come one will say eat GRASS and drink PUNNAKKU which is very good to health .

    Premalal Wednesday, 01 February 2017 07:46 AM

    I wish the good doctor recommended croton leaves for the politicians. They need a good laxative by the looks of them.

    ANTON Wednesday, 01 February 2017 07:15 AM

    I THINK GRASS IS BETTER THAN CROTON. EAT AND SEE THE DIFFERENCE.

    Ajith Wednesday, 01 February 2017 07:07 AM

    Action should be taken against the person who said that croton leaves can be eaten if he had said so without proper research and authority. People should know their boundaries.

    SL Wednesday, 01 February 2017 06:28 AM

    When I was a kid my mother used to prepare "croton mallum" with some varieties of crotons such as the one with long leaves.We had no any issues.

    Leo Wednesday, 01 February 2017 06:15 AM

    Trying to combat the high cost of living. via DM Android App

    Ranjith Wednesday, 01 February 2017 06:04 AM

    CROTON only for yahapalana cows

    Sampath Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:35 AM

    It just goes to show the Director General of Agriculture is not very knowledgeable on agriculture.


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