Kerala’s ‘suicide tree’: How a poisonous fruit became a forensic mystery

Othalanga, or the suicide tree, flourishes along Kerala's shores, but its perilous fruit contains cerberin, a lethal toxin that can disrupt heart rhythms, leading to potentially fatal outcomes. Between 1989 and 1999, numerous deaths were connected to othalanga poisoning, posing diagnostic challenges for medical professionals due to symptom overlap. Raising awareness about this dangerous plant is crucial for prevention and timely treatment.