Question 1

What is Cerbera odollam used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's traditional Ayurvedic system, Cerbera odollam has historically been used in carefully prepared external applications for skin conditions and as an antiparasitic agent. Its powerful cardiac glycoside content means it is handled only by trained practitioners. It is listed in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalog as a plant with documented traditional applications.

Question 2

Is Cerbera odollam dangerous to humans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the seed kernel of Cerbera odollam is highly toxic due to a cardiac glycoside called cerberin, which disrupts heart rhythm if ingested. The fruit can be mistaken for an edible mango-like drupe. No part of the plant should be eaten, and any suspected ingestion requires immediate medical attention.

Question 3

Where does Cerbera odollam grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species grows commonly along the coastlines, riverbanks, and mangrove margins of Sri Lanka's Southern and Western provinces. It is well adapted to brackish and periodically flooded environments and is also planted as a shade tree in some lowland areas.

Question 4

What is the Sinhala name for Cerbera odollam?

Accepted Answer

Cerbera odollam is commonly known as Kaduru in Sinhala. The name appears in traditional Sri Lankan medical texts and reflects the plant's long recognition in local botanical and medicinal traditions.

Question 5

How do I identify a Cerbera odollam tree?

Accepted Answer

Look for a medium-sized tree near water with long glossy leaves clustered near the branch tips, white five-petalled flowers with a yellow-orange centre, and oval green fruits that turn reddish-purple when ripe. The plant exudes a white milky latex when cut, which is another reliable identifier.

Question 6

Can Cerbera odollam be seen during Sri Lanka nature tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the tree is frequently encountered on estuarine and mangrove boat trips in the Southern and Western provinces. Guided nature excursions through wetland habitats often include observations of Cerbera odollam alongside mangrove species and other coastal flora.

Question 7

What chemical compound makes Cerbera odollam toxic?

Accepted Answer

The primary toxic compound is cerberin, a cardiac glycoside concentrated in the seed kernel. Cerberin inhibits the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells, causing potentially fatal arrhythmias. It is structurally related to digoxin, which is used in medicine at controlled doses but is lethal in excess.

Cerbera odollam

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