Species ID: NMPC-027, wfo-0000931957, NCBI:txid2708777
Common Names: Croton, Turk's cap
Local Names: Aworoso

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Malpighiales

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Croton

Species: C. penduliflorus

Synonyms: Croton mooriae Greenway ex Burtt Davy & Hoyle, Croton rubinoensis Aubrév.

Croton penduliflorus is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall, featuring a spreading crown and a bole reaching up to 50 cm in diameter [1]. This species is native to West and West-Central Tropical Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. It thrives in lowland forests and areas with adequate moisture but can also be found in rocky and dry habitats [2].

·       Laxative and Purgative Effects: The seeds are known for their strong purgative properties in traditional medicine [3].

·       Antifibroid and Contraceptive Uses: The seeds are commonly used in herbal treatments for fibroids and menstrual regulation [1].

·       Fever Treatment: A leaf infusion is applied externally or taken orally to treat fevers [4].

·       Abortifacient Properties: The seed oil has been traditionally used to induce abortion, though this carries significant health risks [3].

·       Toxicity Studies: Acute toxicity studies in mice found an LD50 of approximately 570 mg/kg body weight. Higher doses led to weight loss and elevated liver enzyme levels, suggesting potential hepatotoxicity [3].

·       Hepatoprotective and Cytotoxic Effects: Extracts of Croton species have shown cytotoxic effects against liver cell lines, indicating both therapeutic potential and toxicity risks [1].

·       Antioxidant Properties: Leaf extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, suggesting potential use in managing oxidative stress-related conditions [3].

⚠  Known Toxicity

The seed oil of Croton penduliflorus is highly toxic and has been linked to liver and kidney damage in animal studies [3]. Additionally, due to its abortifacient properties, it is considered unsafe for pregnant women [1].

The genus Croton consists of over 1,300 species found in tropical and subtropical regions, many of which have medicinal significance. Croton penduliflorus has been explored for its pharmacological and toxicological potential, with ongoing studies to validate its medicinal uses while addressing safety concerns [1].

1. Salatino A, Salatino MLF, Negri G. Traditional uses, chemistry, and pharmacology of Croton species (Euphorbiaceae). J Braz Chem Soc. 2007;18:11-33.
2. Plants of the World Online. Croton penduliflorus Hutch. [Internet]. Kew Science. Available from: Plants of the World Online
3. Ojokuku SA, Odesanmi OS, Daramola AO, Magbagbeola OA. Acute toxicity effect of Croton penduliflorus (Euphorbiaceae) Seed Oil. Nig Q J Hosp Med. 2015;25(2):80-5.
4. Useful Tropical Plants. Croton penduliflorus. Available from: Useful Tropical Plants

1. JSTOR Compilation
2. GBIF Species Record

• Octadecanoic acid
• Palmitic Acid
• Arachidic acid

Asuzu, I. U., Gray, A. I., & Waterman, P. G. (1988). The extraction, isolation and identification of the purgative component of Croton penduliflorus seed oil. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 23(2-3), 267-271.