Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) Purging Nut

Jatropha curcas (Purging Nut)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Jatropha curcas

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Jatropha

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Ricinus communis (Eranda/Castor): A classic Ayurvedic purgative (Virechana) and anti-inflammatory herb.

· Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki/Amla): A premier Rasayana and one of the three fruits in Triphala.

· Croton tiglium (Jamalgota): A powerful, toxic purgative used in minute doses.

The Euphorbiaceae family is characterized by plants often containing milky, latex sap with potent medicinal and toxic properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Jatropha curcas | English: Purging Nut, Physic Nut, Barbados Nut | Sanskrit: Kanana Eranda, Vyaghrairanda | Hindi: Jangli Erandi, Safed Erand | Tamil: Kattamanakku | Telugu: Nepalam | Kannada: Danti | Malayalam: Kattavanakku | Marathi: Mogali Erand | Bengali: Bagbherenda | Spanish: Piñón Botija | French: Médicinier |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Purgative(strong), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Wound Healing, Antidiabetic (studied), Anticancer (studied).

Medicinal Parts:

The latex,leaves, and seeds are used, but with extreme caution.

· Latex: Applied topically for wounds and inflammation.

· Leaves: Used in poultices and washes.

· Seeds: The source of the purgative oil, but highly toxic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Curcin: A toxic lectin (ribosome-inactivating protein) found in the seeds. It is a potent Inhibitor of Protein Synthesis, causing the severe purgative and toxic effects.

Phorbol Esters: These are the primary toxic compounds in the seed oil, acting as strong Irritants and Carcinogen Promoters. They are responsible for severe inflammation and toxicity upon ingestion.

Flavonoids and Tannins: Found in the leaves and latex, these contribute to the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing properties when used topically.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Virechana (Purgation Therapy)

Formulation: Seed oil (highly processed and administered in micro-doses).

Preparation & Use: In classical Ayurvedic texts like Sushruta Samhita, the purified oil of Jatropha curcas (Danti) is used in specific, controlled doses under strict medical supervision for radical cleansing (Virechana).

Reasoning: The intense irritant action of phorbol esters on the intestinal lining causes a powerful purgative effect, expelling deep-seated toxins (AMA) and doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Latex application or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is directly applied to wounds, cuts, and skin eruptions to stop bleeding and prevent infection. A poultice of the leaves is applied to inflamed joints and rheumatic swellings.

Reasoning: The antimicrobial and astringent properties of the latex and leaves help cleanse wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

There is NO safe culinary use for this plant. The seeds are dangerously toxic. All uses are strictly medicinal and external, or internal under expert supervision.

Topical Latex for Warts and Minor Cuts

Purpose: To disinfect minor wounds and help remove warts.

Preparation & Use:

· Break a fresh leaf or stem to exude the milky latex.

· Apply a drop directly to the wart or a minor, clean cut.

· Use sparingly and with caution, as it can be a skin irritant.

Anti-rheumatic Leaf Fomentation

Purpose: To relieve joint pain and inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

· Warm a few leaves over a flame.

· Smear them with a little castor oil and bandage them over the painful joint.

· Remove after 30-60 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:

Jatropha curcas is a HIGHLY TOXIC PLANT. INGESTION OF THE SEEDS, OIL, OR OTHER PARTS CAN BE FATAL.The seeds have caused numerous poisoning cases. Internal use should never be attempted without the preparation methods described in classical texts and the direct supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. External use can also cause irritation in some individuals. This information is for academic and identification purposes to highlight its dangers and controlled traditional use.

---- End of the blog -x-x

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Sushruta Samhita

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ricinus communis (Eranda/Castor)

· Species: Ricinus communis | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Ricinus

· Similarities: Both are from the Euphorbiaceae family and are powerful purgatives. Castor oil is a much safer and widely used purgative compared to Jatropha, but both are used in Ayurvedic detoxification (Virechana) therapy.

2. Croton tiglium (Jamalgota)

· Species: Croton tiglium | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Croton

· Similarities: Another intensely purgative and toxic plant from the same family. It is used in minute, processed doses in Ayurveda, similar to Jatropha, highlighting the principle of "Shodhana" (purification) to mitigate toxicity.

---