Apple of Sodom

Context: IIT-Madras recently uncovered a low-cost, eco-friendly emulsifier in the latex sap of a commonly found plant called the Apple of Sodom.

About Apple of Sodom :

• Calotropis procera is commonly known as the Apple of Sodom.
• It is a species of flowering plant in the Milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae.
• It is native to West Africa as far south as Angola, North and East Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, Southern Asia, Indo-China region and Malaysia. 
• The green fruits contain a toxic milky sap that is extremely bitter and hardens into a soap-resistant gluey coating.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Apple of Sodom:-

• Ascites: Apply the latex of Sodom locally on the affected areas.
• Leprosy: Use the latex of Sodom plant on the affected skin.
• Ringworms: Apply the milky fluid of Sodom plant over infected skin.
• Stings: Locally apply the milk fluid of Sodom plant on the damaged skin.
• Deafness: Take a ripe yellow leaf of Sodom. Warm it. Squeeze the leaf juice drops in ears.
  • Use it for 2 weeks.
• Caries: Apply the latex of Sodom on the affected teeth.
• Gastroenteritis: Roast the leaves of Sodom and apply locally.

Health Benefits of Apple:

• Juice of the plant is poisonous it has been used as an infanticide in Africa.
• Both the bark and the latex are widely used as arrow and spear poisons.
• Latex is cardio toxic with the active ingredient being calotropin.
• All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Source:  THE HINDU

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 2 and 3

Q.2) Which of the following statements is correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? (2020)

1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do
3. A mature plant cell has one large vacuole vacuoles

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3