Question

While cutting Elephant's foot or arum leaves our hands begin to itch.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Certain Plants like Arum leaves have cells which contains oxalic acid crystals . And these are released into our skin when we either bent or cut the leaves. Because of reaction of acid with skin we get a itching sensation.

I hope this could help u

Answer 2

Answer:

The itching sensation in the hands while cutting an elephant's foot or arum leaves is due to the presence of crystals of calcium oxalate and saponins.

Explanation:

• In the vegetables like elephant's food (amorphophallus) or arum leaves the waste materials are stored in the form of calcium oxalate crystals which ooze out on cutting it into pieces.
• These are formed abundantly in peels and inner tissues of the vegetables.
• Calcium oxalate crystals are also called as raphides which are needle in shape and prick the skin causing irritation followed by itching sensation.
• Itching can be prevented by using gloves, coconut oil, peppermint oil etc before cutting on hands.
• Elephant's foot and arum leaves can be soaked in tamarind (tartaric acid) or lemon (citric acid) juices containing acids which can dissolve/neutralize the calcium oxalate crystals. This process avoids oral toxicity (throat itching after consumption).