Tanghinia.
Tanghinia venenifera. N. O. Apocynaceæ. Trituration of the seed.
Clinical.─
Paralysis. Vomiting.
Characteristics.─
Tanghinia
(the Tanghin or Tanquen of Madagascar) is the only representative of its genus of the
Apocynaceæ. The fruit of the tree is ellipsoid, between two and three inches long, having a
smooth, purplish skin tinged with green, containing a hard stone surrounded by a thick
fibrous flesh. The part used as an ordeal is the seed, which is pounded, and a small piece
is swallowed by the person to be tried. Those in whom it causes vomiting escape. Those whose
stomachs retain it are quickly killed, and their guilt is held proven. General weakness,
even complete paralysis is produced, death being preceded by spasmodic movements of fingers
and toes. Numbness is a common symptom; especially numbness of the hands. The vomiting is
intense and distressing, and is accompanied by anxiety and weakness. The Schema comprises
symptoms observed on persons undergoing the ordeal.
SYMPTOMS.
1. Mind.─
Conscious to the last, without delirium.─Delirium
occasionally occurs.─Stupor.─Lies as if asleep, and
when roused answers like a drowsy man and then relapses into former condition.─Anxiety
with the vomiting.
2. Head.─
Giddy; staggers.
8. Mouth.─
Numb tingling in mouth and fauces.
11. Stomach.─
Vomiting, intense, distressing and
repeated, first of contents of stomach. then of bile and mucus.
13. Stool.─
Purging and urination (purging is a
bad symptom, and the worse the more urgent it is).
21. Limbs.─
Death preceded by spasmodic movements
of fingers and toes.
22. Upper Limbs.─
Hands numb.
24. Generalities.─
Great debility and anxiety with
the vomiting.─Numb feeling over whole body, esp. of hands.─Staggers
if attempts to walk, is unable to support his own weight, and falls down helpless and
paralysed.® 2000
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