Olinda seeds can be lethal
by Carol Aloysius
The National Poisons Information Unit has urged educational
authorities to refrain from using the highly toxic Olinda seeds in
classrooms.
"Some rural schools use these seeds for counting purposes in the
primary classes. This practice is very dangerous and must be stopped as
the olinda seed is extremely toxic. It can have serious impacts leading
to death, on the children if they ingest it after biting it
accidentally", Head, National Poisons Information Centre, Dr Waruna
Gunathilake told the Sunday Observer. He said his Unit continued to
receive distress calls from parents, teachers and others with regard to
the accidental ingestion of oilnda seeds, noting there had been a few
deaths in the past 2-3 years. "The seed which is scarlet and black is
attractive to children. They are likely to be tempted to bite or swallow
it. If that happens the consequences could be fatal", he warned. "Use
madati seeds which are larger in size and safer, or siyambala
seeds which are also very safe and non toxic", he said.
Olinda which grows wild in dry regions of Sri Lanka at low
elevations, is said to contain several medicinal properties. According
to research studies, it is traditionally used to cure sores, wounds and
itch from bites of dogs, cats and rats.
"It must however be kept away from the reach of children, and not
brought into classrooms, as ingestion of even a few seeds could be fatal
for young children.
Anyone who wishes to obtain more information on its toxicity should
contact our hotline: 2686143, Dr Gunathilake said.
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