Cactus Tree (EUPHOBIA INGENS)

Euphorbia species, and particularly its latex, are well known to produce a large variety of diterpenoid and triterpenoid compounds that show anticancer and chemopreventive properties as well as ant-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal ones.

The milky latex of the tree is extremely poisonous and can cause blindness, severe skin irritation and poisoning (when ingested) in humans and animals. However, this plant has been used medicinally as a purgative or for ulcers. Venda and Sotho people use it against cancer.

The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Euphorbia is used for breathing disorders including asthma, bronchitis, and chest congestion. It is also used for mucus in the nose and throat, throat spasms, hay fever, and tumors. Some people use it to cause vomiting.