Conclusion
The observations of clinical cases of temporary alopecia(defluvium capillorum) after the ingestion of “coco de mono” nuts(Lecythis ollaria), associated with symptomatology of acute intoxication, fever and diarrhea and various neurological manifestations, preceded the experimental study of the active principle contained in these seeds. The marked cytotoxic effect of “coco de mono” has been determinedin vitro in mice flbroblasts; the active principle has been isolated and has been identified as the selenium analog of the sulfur amino acid, cystathionine.
This discovery has led to great interest in the mechanism of inhibition of mitosis by the amino acid, to the experimental study of its toxicity and finally to the study of selenium found in the ground of different parts of Venezuela as well as in different pastures and cultivated areas.
The implications are obvious, not only from the public health point of view but also for the country–s economy, since these studies can provide the basis for condemning for agricultural purposes vast zones of Venezuela flat lands.
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Kerdel-Vegas, F. The depilatory and cytotoxic action of “coco de mono” (Lecythis ollaria) and its relationship to chronic seleniosis. Econ Bot 20, 187–195 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02904014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02904014