Get access to all handy features included in the IVIS website
- Get unlimited access to books, proceedings and journals.
- Get access to a global catalogue of meetings, on-site and online courses, webinars and educational videos.
- Bookmark your favorite articles in My Library for future reading.
- Save future meetings and courses in My Calendar and My e-Learning.
- Ask authors questions and read what others have to say.
Melia azedarach: Chinaberry
Get access to all handy features included in the IVIS website
- Get unlimited access to books, proceedings and journals.
- Get access to a global catalogue of meetings, on-site and online courses, webinars and educational videos.
- Bookmark your favorite articles in My Library for future reading.
- Save future meetings and courses in My Calendar and My e-Learning.
- Ask authors questions and read what others have to say.
Read
Family
Meliaceae
Common Name
Chinaberry, Persian lilac, pride of India, Ceylon mahogany, Texas umbrella tree, white cedar, paraiso, piocha, beed tree.
Plant Description
Approximately 10 species of the genus Melia are native to Asia, and have become widely distributed in the tropical regions of the world. The most ubiquitous species is Melia azedarach. It is a deciduous branched tree growing to heights of 15 m, with dark or reddish brown bark. Leaves are twice-pinnately compound with 50 or more leaflets that are ovate to elliptic in shape.
Inflorescences are loose panicles produced in the leaf axils. Individual flowers are fragrant white to lavender in color with 5 - 6 sepals and 5 - 6 petals. Fruits are fleshy, globular, drupes turning yellow or black when dry, and containing 1 - 6 seeds (Fig. 265 - Fig. 267).
Figure 265. Melia azedarach.
Figure 266. Melia azedarach flowers.
Figure 267. Melia azedarach berries.
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action
Several tetranortriterpenes referred to as meliatoxins are present throughout the plant, but especially in the fruits [1]. Poisoning is only associated with the consumption of the berries. The mechanism of action of these toxins is poorly understood, and the toxicity of the berries varies considerably depending on the geographic area. Humans, cattle, pigs, rabbits, and dogs have most frequently been poisoned by eating Chinaberries [2-4].
Risk Assessment
Chinaberries are commonly planted and can become invasive as the seeds are spread by birds in the tropics and mild temperate zones. It’s rapid growth and fragrant flowers often make the Chinaberry an attractive garden tree. In some years, fruit production can be heavy and the fallen fruits are easily accessible to animals. Dogs appear to be particularly susceptible to fatal poisoning from eating Chinaberries [3].
Clinical Signs
Increased salivation, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea occur initially, and may be followed by neurologic signs and paralysis. If sufficient quantities of the berries have been consumed animals may exhibit muscle weakness, ataxia, and seizures. Sudden death may be the only presenting sign in acute poisoning. Hepatic necrosis and degeneration of skeletal muscles may be detectable on histologic examination.
If an animal is witnessed eating Chinaberries, inducing vomiting may be the most efficient way to remove the berries. Activated charcoal administered orally is also effective. Sedatives and supportive fluid electrolyte therapy should be used in the more severely intoxicated animal.
Get access to all handy features included in the IVIS website
- Get unlimited access to books, proceedings and journals.
- Get access to a global catalogue of meetings, on-site and online courses, webinars and educational videos.
- Bookmark your favorite articles in My Library for future reading.
- Save future meetings and courses in My Calendar and My e-Learning.
- Ask authors questions and read what others have to say.
1. Oelrichs PB, Hill MW, Valleyly VJ, MacLeod JK, Molinski TF. Toxic tetranortriterpenes of the fruit of Melia azedarach. Phytochemistry 22: 531-534, 1983.
...About
How to reference this publication (Harvard system)?
Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Author(s)
Copyright Statement
© All text and images in this publication are copyright protected and cannot be reproduced or copied in any way.Related Content
Readers also viewed these publications
No related publications found.
Buy this book
Buy this book
This book and many other titles are available from Teton Newmedia, your premier source for Veterinary Medicine books. To better serve you, the Teton NewMedia titles are now also available through CRC Press. Teton NewMedia is committed to providing alternative, interactive content including print, CD-ROM, web-based applications and eBooks.
Teton NewMedia
PO Box 4833
Jackson, WY 83001
307.734.0441
Email: sales@tetonnm.com
Comments (0)
Ask the author
0 comments