VI.—An Investigation of the Hepatotoxic Effects in the Fowl of Ragwort (Senecio jacobæa Linn.), with special reference to the Induction of Liver Tumours with Seneciphylline

Abstract

SynopsisThe alkaloids of Ragwort (Senecio jacobæa Linn.) are known to be hepatotoxic to farm animals and man. Survivors invariably show permanent impairment of the liver, manifested by cirrhosis and its sequelæ. Senecio infusions may be consumed in small amounts in Britain as a herbal remedy, and in South Africa the Bantu frequently incorporate them in native medicines. It has been shown that these tribes have a high incidence of cirrhosis and primary liver cancer, and there is good evidence that their deficient diet may play an important part in sensitizing the liver to toxins. In the present study, the ragwort alkaloid seneciphylline has been administered by injection to fowls maintained on both adequate and deficient diets, and further fowls received the dried plant in their food. A significant proportion of these birds subsequently developed primary liver tumours. Although there was a higher mortality rate in both treated and controls fed the deficient diet, there was no evidence of a greater tendency to develop liver tumours compared with the birds on the balanced diet.It is also suggested that the condition known as “cavernous angioma” of the liver of cattle and sheep in Britain may be due to ingestion of ragwort in sub-lethal amounts.