Euphorbia lathyris: uses, properties, cultivation and complete toxicity

What is Euphorbia lathyris? Origin, names, and classification

Euphorbia Lathyris., also known as castor bean, gorse grass, lesser cataputia o cagamuja, is a plant belonging to the family EuphorbiaceaeIts origin is uncertain, but most sources place it in Central Asia and China, although Africa is also mentioned as a possible region of origin. It is currently widely naturalized throughout the world, especially in temperate climates, and is typical in many environments of the Iberian Peninsula, especially in coastal areas and roads, as well as in cultivated fields and disturbed land.

This species is known under a wide variety of popular names in different regions: castor, purgative hempseed, toxic plants for dogs, esulas, thief grains, purging herb, mole herb, hell fig, lecherina, apples, pine nuts, among others.

Taxonomic classification:

• Domain: Eukarya
• Supergroup: Archaeplastida
• Division: Streptophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Euphorbiales
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Gender: Euphorbia
• Species: Euphorbia lathyris

The etymology of the genre euphorbia comes from the Greek physician Euphorbus, while lathyris It is an ancient Greek term referring to the castor bean itself.

Botanical description of Euphorbia lathyris

Euphorbia lathyris is a biennial plant, although it can sometimes have an annual cycle. Its height can range from about 30 to up to 180 cm, depending on the soil and climate conditions. stems They are erect, glabrous (hairless), fistulous (hollow), smooth and have a glaucous tone, ranging from light green to blue.

The leaves They are opposite, entire, linear, and sessile below, while the upper parts are oblong-lanceolate and amplexicaul. They usually have a lighter central vein that stands out against the green or blue background. This characteristic is useful for identification.

La inflorescence It is a pleochasiform plant with forked rays and lanceolate bracts. The flowers, small and petalless, are green or yellowish-green. The fruit is a depressed, subglobose capsule, which usually turns brown or grayish when ripe. Each capsule contains three brown, rough, reticulated seeds with a conical, lobed terminal caruncle.

It blooms among april and october and shows a remarkable ecological adaptation to different environments.

Distribution, habitat and ecology

This plant has an extraordinary capacity for adaptation and drought resistance, allowing it to thrive in a wide variety of soils and climates.

• Geographical distributionProbably native to Central Asia and China, it is now naturalized almost everywhere in the world. It is common in the Iberian Peninsula and several Mediterranean regions.
• Habitat: It occurs on roadsides, cultivated or abandoned fields, coastal sandbanks, forest edges, slopes, and all types of disturbed terrain. It prefers well-drained, somewhat acidic soils, although it tolerates calcareous and nutrient-rich soils.
• Altitude: From 50 to 1.000 meters above sea level.
• Showroom: Direct sun or semi-shade, supporting both environments with moderate humidity and relatively dry conditions.

In its dispersion, the predominant species is myrmecochoric mode, that is, its seeds are transported mainly by ants, although they can also be accidentally dispersed by human action or by the wind.

Traditional and current uses of Euphorbia lathyris

• Agricultural and garden applications:
• She is well known for her repellent effect on moles and rodents thanks to the toxic substances present in its roots and stems. This property has made it an ally of horticulturists in protecting crops from these animals, even being used as a "living barrier" in orchards and gardens.
• Some farmers make a slurry from the plant itself, which is spread over the ground in order to reinforce the repellent action against rodents and pests.
• Its deep root system contributes to improve soil structure, facilitating the entry of water and nutrients, and promoting aeration and life in the soil.
• Furthermore, due to its characteristics, it can be used as an ornamental plant in low-maintenance gardens.
• Industrial use:
• El oil extracted from the seeds has a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, similar to castor oil (Ricinus communis), although they are not the same species. This oil is valued for its industrial usefulness as a base for lubricants, paints, varnishes, soaps, plastics, cosmetics, hydraulic and brake fluids, inks, and other specialized chemical products. Its composition gives it unique properties, being highly viscous and soluble in alcohol at low temperatures.
• In the past, oil was also used to fuel lamps and obtain biofuel.
• Industrial exploitation includes the potential for biodiesel production, a booming field in the search for alternative and sustainable energy sources.
• Traditional medicinal use:
• Historically, all parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine, although today their use is discouraged due to toxicity. The latex and seeds were used as powerful purgatives and emetics, as well as for the treatment of edema, tumors, amenorrhea, rheumatism, and snake bites. Due to its rubefacient effects, the leaves were used externally to cause sores or remove warts and calluses.
• The sap was considered antiseptic, although its application entailed serious risks of burns and dermatitis.
• Fresh seed has been investigated for its potential antitumor and antileukemia, although there is no conclusive evidence and its toxicity is very high.

Active ingredients and compounds of interest

The wealth of active principles of Euphorbia lathyris makes it an interesting and dangerously toxic plant at the same time:

• white latex: Characteristic secretion, rich in toxic compounds (euphorbin, diterpenic esters, alkaloids, citric acid, malic acid and dihydroxycoumarin).
• Seed oil: High content of ricinoleic acid, source of numerous derivatives used in industry and, potentially, in pharmacology.

The parts used have been leaves, latex y seeds, but its high toxic potential has led to the prohibition of homemade preparations and internal medicines.

Attributed medicinal properties (and warnings)

• Purgative and emetic: All parts of the plant—especially the latex and seeds—can cause violent bowel movements and vomiting.
• Rubefacient and vesicantFresh latex applied to the skin causes intense redness, blisters and, if exposed to the sun, risks severe photosensitivity.
• Antiseptic and keratolytic: Traditionally used on warts, calluses and skin lesions, although there are safer plants for this purpose.
• Anticancer and antitumorPotential folk uses have been reported, especially in traditional medicine, but there is no support from modern clinical studies nor is it recommended to experiment with this species.
• Diuretic and parasiticide: The use of seeds has been documented to relieve edema, eliminate parasites and treat tumors, but always under serious risk to health.

Important: None of these uses should be attempted without qualified medical supervision, given the high level of toxicity from the plant. Nowadays, its internal use is not recommended under any circumstances.

Toxicity: risks, symptoms and effects in animals and humans

All parts contain highly toxic substances, especially latex, which can be lethal if ingested or if it comes into contact with mucous membranes and eyes.

• Effects on humans:
• By ingestion: Abdominal pain, nausea, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and liver disorders, respiratory difficulty and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.
• By dermal contact: Dermatitis, burns, vesicant blisters, photosensitivity and risk of blindness if latex enters the eyes.
• Effect on animals:
• Grazing animals can be poisoned if they consume contaminated feed. There is evidence that diterpene esters can cause tumors in animals and, indirectly, in humans who consume contaminated animal products.
• Goats can consume the plant apparently without harm, but the toxin can pass into their milk and pose a risk to those who consume it.

In case of poisoning, immediate treatment is gastric emptying and urgent medical attention.

Guide to growing Euphorbia lathyris

Its ease of cultivation and hardiness have made it popular in organic gardens and low-maintenance gardens. The optimal planting and care process is detailed below:

1. Siembra: This can be done by sowing seeds directly into the soil or by planting them in pots for transplanting. The appropriate depth is 1 cm, keeping the soil moist to ensure germination.
2. Planting time: Preferably in spring or autumn, taking advantage of mild temperatures and greater availability of water.
3. Soils: Prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.
4. Climate: It grows optimally in temperate climates, between 15°C and 25°C. It tolerates some cold and drought, but suffers from intense frost or extreme heat.
5. IrrigationModerate. The soil needs to be kept moist, but not excessively so. Water regularly, adjusting for natural rainfall.
6. Solar exposition: Areas of direct sunlight or semi-shade are ideal for its development.

Ecological properties and benefits in agriculture

• The root system of the plant helps to improve soil structure and break up compacted soils.
• Antiparasitic properties and natural repellents contribute to biological control in crops.
• It facilitates the access of roots of other plants to water and nutrients.
• It can be intercropped between crops to enhance soil protection and health.

Nutritional properties and nutritional value

Despite popular belief, no food use is recommended of Euphorbia lathyris due to its toxicity. The nutritional benefit is very low, considered 1 5 on, and its consumption can have serious health consequences.

Historically, the use of oil in food has been explored in extreme cases (for example, as a source of grease for lamps), but has been abandoned due to toxicity and the emergence of much safer alternatives.

Contraindications and warnings for use

• Do not ingest any part of the plantThe latex, leaves, stems, seeds and roots are poisonous.
• Avoid traditional medicinal use. Currently, any home use, both internal and external, is not recommended due to the risk of poisoning and injury.
• Handle with cautionAlways wear gloves and avoid contact of latex with skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Curiosities and popular culture

• Euphorbia Lathyris. It is known as the "mole plant" in English (mole plant), due to its effectiveness in repelling these animals, which has favored its sale in nurseries and garden stores.
• The purgative action of latex gave rise to popular names such as "cagamuja" or "catapucia menor" in reference to its powerful laxative effects.
• Historically, the oil extracted from its seeds was used to light lamps and as a base for soaps and biofuel, although its industrial exploitation is limited by toxicity and the emergence of safer alternative crops.
• In ancient veterinary medicine, it was used to treat edema and parasites in animals, although today it is completely discouraged.

Glossary of botanical terms used

Amplexical

Organ that embraces the structure that supports it, like some leaves on the stem.

Biennial

A plant that completes its cycle in two years, growing the first year and flowering/bearing fruit the second.

Cyatio

Typical inflorescence of the Euphorbia genus, with male flowers and a central female flower surrounded by bracts.

Diterpenes

Toxic compounds present in the sap of many Euphorbiaceae.

Emetic

Substance that causes vomiting.

Glaucous

Blue-green coloration.

Hemicryptophyte

Plant whose buds are located on the surface of the soil.

Myrmecochoria

Seed dispersal by ants.

Purgative

Substance that causes forceful bowel movements.

Rubefacient

That causes redness of the skin.

Sessile

Organ that lacks a petiole or stalk.

Vesicant

Agent that produces blisters on contact with the skin.

Bibliography and references

• Ellenberg-type indicator values ​​for European vascular plant species. Tichý L., Axmanová I. et al. Journal of Vegetation Science.
• Seed dispersal distance classes and dispersal modes for the European flora. Lososová Z., et al. Global Ecology and Biogeography.
• Life forms. Dřevojan P., Čeplová N., Stěpánková P. & Axmanová I.
• Castroviejo Bolibar, Santiago & al. (eds.). Iberian flora. Vol. VIII. Haloragaceae-Euphorbiaceae.
• Popular and technical information from specialized resources on botany, agriculture, and traditional medicine.

Euphorbia lathyris is a plant steeped in history, resources, and risks. Its presence in orchards and gardens continues to be useful for biological pest control and soil improvement, but it also requires extreme caution due to the potent toxicity of its active ingredients. The balance between its ecological and industrial value and the dangers to human and animal health makes it a fascinating species, although it is vital to always keep all warnings in mind.

Related article:

Mandrake: Properties, Legends and Uses of the Magical and Toxic Plant