‘Kasla’ is poisonous - biz group

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - Biofuels Philippines International Inc., a subsidiary of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (Biofuels-MBCCI) said ‘kasla’ (Jatropha Curcas) is poisonous. Biofuels-MBCCI vice president for external affairs Jose Maria Zayco said the reason why kasla plantations are mostly used to fence farm lots is because animals instinctively run away from it. Biofuels-MBCCI is presently nursing a 25-hectare kasla farm in Murcia. “Not even the most voracious goat eats kasla. Unfortunately, for human beings who have to use intelligence to experiment on things, accidents like eating kasla leaves could happened," Zayco said. “We feel responsible, however, to educate people about jatropha or kasla. While this can save us millions (of pesos) in terms of alternative fuel, eating this directly is surely fatal." Zayco added that “in primitive ways, kasla is use for its external medicinal value but to take it in is fatal since it is poison." The science of toxicology explains that consuming jatropha would result in acute abdominal pain and a burning sensation in the throat about half an hour after ingestion of the seeds, followed by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The vomit and feces of the patient may contain blood, as symptoms are largely associated with gastro-intestinal irritation. In severe cases, intoxications dehydration and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis could also occur. Doctors warned children are the most susceptible age groups in jatropha or kasla poisoning. - Sun.Star Bacolod