The term "Sawarra nut" refers to a semi-hard nut harvested from the sawarra tree (scientifically known as Cerbera odollam). The sawarra tree is native to various countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Its large, evergreen leaves and stunning white flowers make it a notable tree in the region.
The sawarra nut is typically oval-shaped, measuring around 2-4 centimeters in length. It has a hard outer shell that is brown or grey in color, often marked with irregular dark spots. Inside the shell, a single seed is found, which is ivory-colored and has a waxy texture.
While the sawarra nut exhibits a visually appealing appearance, it is important to note that it is highly toxic. The seeds contain several toxic compounds, most notably cerberin, which is a cardiac glycoside. Ingesting even a small amount of the nut can lead to severe health consequences, including cardiac arrest and death. Unfortunately, cases of intentional and unintentional human poisoning from sawarra nut ingestion have been reported.
Due to its high toxicity, the sawarra nut has limited use. It is primarily known for its application in various traditional rituals and practices, such as black magic or folk medicine. Nevertheless, due to its dangerous nature, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and avoid any contact with or consumption of the sawarra nut.
