Ask & Tell

Sadasivan, Kozhinjambara

Kunni (Abrus precatorius) contains a chemical called abrin, one of the deadly toxins. All parts of the plant contain this toxin, but the highest concentration is in the seeds. Abrin is a toxalbumin that can kill cells by inhibiting protein synthesis. Symptoms of this poisoning may take a few hours to five days. The fact that a specific antidote for abrin poisoning has yet to be discovered makes treatment for this poisoning difficult. This toxicity can lead to multiple organ failure, such as liver, spleen, and kidneys, which can lead to death. Consider that even half a seed is enough to poison children. It is best to avoid such poisonous plants in the house with children.

Abdul Samad, Ponnani

Akil trees are the source of oud (agar), the world's most valuable perfume oil known as the 'fragrance of Arabia'. The action of the fungus Phialophora parasitica produces Oud. A brown gum produced by the oud tree is made into an aromatic ointment to combat this fungal infection. Oud is obtained from about seventeen species of trees belonging to the genus Aquilaria. Each Oud has a different aroma, depending on the genus, the type of fungus that attacked it, the severity of the disease, and the tree's age. Aquillaria agallocha, Aquilleria malaccensis, Aquillaria secundaria, Aquilleria cransa and Aquilleria sinensis are commercially important aquile species. Only seven to ten per cent of the trees in their natural habitat are attacked by this pest and become valuable species. The practice of producing Oud by causing disease in trees through artificial means is now widespread. This method involves injecting the fungus into the plant tissue that transports water from the roots to the tree's branches and leaves. Four months after the fungus is inoculated, a gluey wood stain forms around wounds on the tree's roots and branches. When harvested, the root portion is dug up, and the pulp is extracted. Artificial Oud is not worth the price of natural Oud in the real market.

Abraham Kurian, Neryamangalam

In 2017, the Kerala government banned the private purchase and sale of sandalwood. Individuals can plant sandalwood trees by law, but the government must sell them. You must inform the forest department from purchasing sandalwood saplings to cultivation. There will be strict government supervision in sandalwood cultivation areas.

Saji KV, Valayar

Other plants should be within 2 meters of the sandalwood plant because Sandalwood is parasitic. Sandalwood can live in association with about three hundred plants. The main host trees of Sandalwood are Acacia, Mazchukanjiram, Eeti, Marut, Mahogany, Terminalias, etc., in forests. Seedlings barely grow up to a year after sprouting but need help afterwards. Only six months of food is stored in the seed. Their suckers begin to attach to the root of the host tree before the second month of seedling emergence. Sandalwood absorbs calcium and potassium by themselves. Still, nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium are obtained from the roots of other plants through the root system. Therefore, Sandalwood will grow well in the early years as an intercrop with guava, papaya, Sheemakonna and sapota. Then Karivelam, Acacia, Kanikonna, Manjakkonna, Katatimariam, Malavemp, Ung, Dantapala and Aryavep can be host plants.

Narayana, Thirur

Keezharnelli (Phyllanthus amarus) has been widely used to treat jaundice in Kerala for a long time. Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin present in Keezhar Nelly can reduce jaundice. Modern studies have revealed that the ellagic acid component in Keesharnelli can rapidly reduce the body's production of hepatitis B virus antigen and that the antioxidant production of Keesharnelli has been able to partially prevent the damage to liver cells caused by hepatitis C virus infection. It is best to use it according to the condition as per the advice of an expert Ayurvedic doctor. These one-size-fits-all treatments invite danger.