Crown of thorns

Botany
Erect and branched shrub growing up to a meter high, with cylindric or obscurely angled branches lined with stiff, slender, divergent spines. Leaves are few, alternate, pale green, oblong-obovate, or short acuminate, up to 5 cm long. Inflorescences arise from the upper leaf axils and is peduncled with 2-4 involucres in each peduncle, each involucre with 2 spreading red kidney-shaped lobes.

Distribution
Widely cultivated in settled areas in the Philippines. Native to Madagascar.

Parts used
Flowers, latex.

Uses
Folkloric No reported folkloric medicinal use in the Philippines. Popular use in South Brazil as "dragon's blood," the red latex from Christ's crown Euphorbia milli (Euphorbiaceae) as a treatment for warts. source In Chinese folk medicine, euphorbia compounds used in cancer treatment.

Studies
Antibacterial: In a study of 41 plants tested against E coli, Shigella spp, and Vibrios spp among others, Euphorbia milli was one of 28 that showed antibacterial activity. Aspergillus Inhibition: Dry flower powder of Euphorbia milli was found to have 100% total inhibition on aflatoxin-producing fungi on agar-medium. The effect may be due to the interference of the simple phenols and phenolic acids, quinones, flavones, flavonoids and flavanols, possibly at the biosynthetic level. This may find application in the elimination or control of aflatoxin contamination of foodstuffs, as well as controlling aspergillosis, a large spectrum of disease caused by members of genus Aspergillus. Mollusicidal / Non-Teratogenic: Study of the embryofeto-toxicity of Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii) latex, a natural molluscicide: The study is a comprehensive safety evaluation of the embryotoxic potenial of E. milli. The crude latex of Euphorbia milli is a potent plant molluscicide and a promising alternative to synthetic moluscicides used in schistosomiasis control. The study concludes that the plant molluscicide poses no teratogenic hazard.

Description

A low-growing evergreen shrub with very thorny grooved stems and branches. The stems are purplish brown and are 1-2 feet tall on average, but can reach 3 feet in a warm climate. The thorns are sharp pointed and are 1/2 inch long on avarage. The ovate leaves are 1-3 inches long, few in number, and are found mostly at the growing ends. The cyathia, a type of inflorescence characteristic of the genus Euphorbia, are born in small umbels and have showy, ovate and bright red bracts. The small flowers are produced in clusters of 2-8 at the tips of green flower stem about 1 inch long. Genus Euphorbia includes other commonly available plants such as poinsettia (E. pulcherrima) and snow-on-the-mountain (E. marginata).

Distribution A native of Madagascar, crown of thorns is widely grown as a house plant in northern states including Illinois, and as a common garden plant in southern states, especially Florida.

Conditions of poisoning

The poisonous principle is present in all parts of the plant. Euphorbia species generally are highly unpalatable, but animals may eat them due to lack of good forage. Drying does not destroy the toxicity of the plant, and Euphorbia in hay may be slightly more palatable to livestock. Contact with the white, milky sap may cause severe blistering as well as intense pain to open cuts or eyes. Honey made from the flowers of these plants may be toxic.

Control Light infestations of pastures usually are not a problem since most Euphorbia can be grazed to a limited degree without noticeable reactions. Mowing and reseeding with hardy pasture plants is helpful for heavier infestations of Euphorbia, since most pasture species are annuals; light restocking rates also may help increase the predominance of desirable forage species. Supplemental feeding is suggested in some areas when desirable forage is scarce.

Toxic principle

The poisonous principles have been identified as phorbol esters. Phorbol esters activate protein kinase C. Protein phosphorylation is increased by protein kinase C which may alter multiple enzyme and other protein functions. Effects may result in cytoskeletal damage and tumor promotion.

Clinical signs Generally horses, cattle, sheep, cats, dogs and humans are affected by Euphorbia and may experience severe irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, sometimes with hemorrhage and diarrhea. Other general signs include blistering, swelling about the eyes and mouth, excessive salivation and emesis, abdominal pain and weakness. The sap may cause dermatitis. Death is rare. Work horses may suffer severe blisters and loss of hair on the ankles. Approximately 3 kg of E. prostrata and E. marginata when fed to cattle produces severe scours and emaciation.

An Ornamental Plant
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Euphorbia milii serves as a potted ornamental in many different countries. Tropical residents also use it for hedges or as a strategically placed cynosure in landscaping.

Folk Medicine
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Euphorbia milii plays a role in folk medicine. The Chinese use it as a cure for cancer, and some Brazilians believe that it can cure warts.

Helps Prevent Schistosomiasis

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Euphorbia milii can curb the spread of schistosomiasis, a disease of the liver. Its latex has ingredients that can kill snails of the genera Indoplanorbis and Biomphalaria, which are vectors (alternate hosts) of the flatworms which cause this disease.

Inhibits Aspergillus
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Fungi of the genus Aspergillus produce a toxic substance called aflatoxin, which contaminates crops (e.g., corn and peanuts) and causes human diseases. Aflatoxin has even been implicated as a contributing factor in liver cancer. Euphorbia milii flowers, when dried and processed as powder, inhibit the growth of Aspergillus.

Milin
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Milin, an extract of Euphorbia milii latex, is a glycosylated serine protease (an enzyme that breaks down protein and has a sugar attached to it). Because it is more stable than most proteases, it will be useful to food processers and makers of detergents who have been using proteases in their operations. Milin will also be useful to research scientists who use serine proteases to get rid of unwanted proteins so that they can obtain the ones they want in pure form

Instructions
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1
Plant your crown of thorns in potting soil that drains well and retains water. Cactus potting mix works best with this succulent plant. If you use regular potting soil add a little sand to it.

2
Use a plant pot that has a hole in the bottom. This will allow good drainage, which will keep the roots of your plant from getting too wet and rotting.

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3
Place the plant where it will get plenty of filtered or full sunlight.

4
Water the soil and allow it become barely moist between watering periods. Water less during the winter season; this is when the plant rests. Use warm water and avoid getting water on the stems or leaves, as they may rot if they get too wet.

5
Fertilize bi-weekly during spring and throughout the fall season and monthly during winter. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 50% of full strength.

6
Keep the plant in normal room temperature. Use a humidifier to add humidity to a dry room. Kept outdoors, this plant thrives in temperatures from 60 to 95 degrees F with average humidity.

The white milky sap of the crown of thorns is poisonous and can cause irritation to the mouth, eyes, and skin. Take care when handling this plant and wash your hands afterward. Wear gloves when pruning or re-planting it.