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COMBRETACEAE(Indian Almond family)
Some 600 species of trees and shrubs in 20 genera are found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The fruits of Combretum butyrosum Tul., which grows in tropical Africa, yield a butter-like substance known as chiquito (Willis 1973). A number of species provide useful timbers. Some of the timbers are capable of inducing dermatitis. The myrmecophilous nature of a few species makes them potential dermatological hazards when growing in the wild. von Reis & Lipp (1982) found a record on an herbarium sheet that this tree is infested by ants. The 250 species are found in tropical regions excluding Australia. Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) note that the leaf of a Combretum species, when used as an ophthalmic remedy, stings the eyes. The tree is probably irritant (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). The fruit, when eaten, causes persistent hiccup (Greshoff 1909). The leaf, when pounded and soaked in water, yields a red dye (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). The sawdust has been recorded as a cause of dermatitis of the hands of African forestry workers. A child who walked barefoot on the sawdust developed blisters between the toes (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). Hausen (1973) refers to reports of injurious effects of the wood. Application of the powdered root to cuts in the skin produces pain (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962). Referring to Combretum decandrum, Roy (1974) recorded that this tree thrives on soils rich in nickel, and, furthermore, hyperaccumulates nickel. A level of 3200 ppm nickel was found in this species. The contact sensitising capacity of nickel and its salts is well documented (Spruit et al. 1980, Cronin 1980). Irvine (1961) recorded that the sap is used as a styptic. [Information available but not yet included in database] [Information available but not yet included in database] Woods & Calnan (1976) described a veneer preparer with extensive dermatitis who showed positive patch test reactions to this wood, and to teak (Tectona grandis L.f., fam. Labiatae), Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, fam. Meliaceae), jacaranda (fam. Bignoniaceae), rosewood (Dalbergia L.f. species, fam. Leguminosae), primula (fam. Primulaceae), and to R- and S-dalbergiones. The wood can produce dermatitis (Hanslian & Kadlec 1966). Hollow twigs on this species have been reported to house biting ants (Wheeler 1942). This tropical Asian tree is frequently planted for shade. The trunk is generally set with short woody spines. The fruit is edible. Various species of biting and stinging ants have been found inhabiting hollow twigs on this tree (Wheeler 1942). The root bark, when applied to wounds, produces a burning effect like iodine (Irvine 1961). The wood dust produces dermatitis and respiratory symptoms (Orsler 1973), and is listed as irritant by Zafiropoulo et al. (1968). Woods & Calnan (1976), referencing data from an unpublished survey of sawmills and woodworking factories in Ibadan, Nigeria, noted that a sawyer who had developed mild papular dermatitis on exposed skin, when patch tested with the sawdust from seven woods he had recently worked with, showed weak positive (±) patch test reactions to the sawdust from this species and from Pterygota macrocarpus [sic; = Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schum.] (fam. Malvaceae), and a positive (2+) reaction to sawdust from Spondias mombin L. (fam. Anacardiaceae). Control tests were not recorded. The wood contains a yellow dye (Hausen 1981). Decoctions of the roots used in herbal medicine have caused fatal poisoning (Lewis & Elvin-Lewis 1977). This species is known to produce dermatitis in Malaya (Kochummen 1972). Splinters of limba cause wounds that become increasingly inflamed and resist healing (Sandermann & Barghoorn 1956). Vesicular dermatitis of the fingers, apparently caused by limba sawdust, was observed by Nordin (1947). Contact dermatitis from the wood dust in ten Swiss workers was reported by Hartmann & Schlegel (1980). Other reports of contact dermatitis are cited by Hausen (1981) who failed to demonstrate any sensitising capacity and noted that although the timber is widely used in the wood industry, skin irritations are rare. The wood can also cause respiratory disorders such as asthma and bleeding of the nose and gums, and also contact urticaria (Sandermann & Barghoorn 1956, Oehling 1963, Hartmann & Schlegel 1980, Hausen 1981). Ingestion of yellow wood (Terminalia oblongata F.Muell.) by cattle can result in photosensitisation (Everist 1962, McBarron 1976). References
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