Muerte a causa de glucósidos cardiotónicos presentes en semilla nuez de la india, producto adelgazante ilegal

Abstract

At present, weight loss products are freely marketed with a great diffusion in the media, mainly in social networks, which makes them accessible and easily acquired. However, the use of these represents a health risk, given the adverse effects that occur in consumers. Aleurites Moluccana or Indian Nut is a seed that has been marketed for several years as a powerful weight reducer, without knowing the compounds it contains, likewise in some countries its sale is prohibited due to some cases of poisoning that have occurred. The objective of this research is to evaluate the presence of cardiac glycosides in the seed by means of phytochemical and toxicological analyzes, as well as to establish the effects of the intake from consuming the cashew. As a result of the phytochemical analyzes, the presence of alkaloids and terpenes in the seed was determined by open column chromatography, as well as the presence of cardiotonic glycosides that explain the clinical manifestations presented by patients who ingest this product especially in gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, while in the toxicological analysis carried out in mice an acute toxicity was determined by oral route since they observed certain abnormalities at a clinical, biochemical and histological level. It is recommended to carry out more phytochemical studies in the seed since according to bibliographic research it presents more toxic compounds that would be toxoalbumin and cyanide.