Jatropha gossypiifolia (Euphorbiaceae)

Jatropha gossypiifolia (Bellyache Bush)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Jatropha gossypiifolia

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Jatropha

Related Herbs from the same family:

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

· Jatropha curcas (Danti): A toxic plant used as a drastic purgative after purification.

· Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki): A premier Rasayana and rejuvenative.

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

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Jatropha gossypiifolia | English: Bellyache Bush, Cotton-leaf Jatropha | Sanskrit: Not well-documented in classical texts. | Hindi: Lal Bherenda, Bada Bherenda | Tamil: Sivappu Kattamanakku | Telugu: Erra Nepalam | Kannada: Kempu Danti | Malayalam: Kattuavanakku | Marathi: Pandhari Erand | Spanish: Tua-tua | French: Medisinier Rouge |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Purgative(strong), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antihypertensive, Wound Healing. Also highly TOXIC.

Medicinal Parts:

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

· Latex: Applied topically for wounds and skin infections.

· Leaves: Used in poultices and washes.

· Stem Bark: Used in decoctions for specific conditions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Diterpenoids (Jatrophone, Jatrophol): Unique compounds with documented Antileukemic and Antitumor activities in scientific studies.

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

Toxic Proteins (Curcin): Similar to J. curcas, this lectin is a potent Inhibitor of Protein Synthesis, causing the severe purgative and toxic effects upon ingestion.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Kushtha (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Latex application or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is directly applied to chronic wounds, ulcers, and skin infections like scabies. A decoction of the leaves is used as a wash for skin diseases.

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

Virechana (Purgation Therapy)

Formulation: Latex or leaf extract (highly toxic, used in minute doses).

Preparation & Use: In some folk traditions, a minuscule amount of the latex or a leaf decoction is used as a drastic purgative, similar to Jatropha curcas.

Reasoning: The intense irritant action on the intestinal lining causes a powerful purgative effect. This is extremely dangerous.

Jwara (Fever) & Visha (Poisoning)

Formulation: Leaf decoction (external use).

Preparation & Use: A bath with a leaf decoction is used to reduce fever. In some cultures, it is used as an antidote for snake bites, applied topically to the bite site.

Reasoning: The bioactive compounds may have antipyretic and neurotoxic effects that counteract venom, but this is not scientifically validated and is very risky.

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

There is NO safe culinary use for this plant. It is poisonous. All uses are strictly medicinal and primarily external.

Antimicrobial Latex for Skin Infections

Purpose: To treat warts, fungal infections, and minor cuts.

Preparation & Use:

· Break a fresh leaf or stem to exude the red-tinged latex.

· Apply a tiny drop directly to the affected area once a day.

· Caution: Can cause severe irritation and blistering on healthy skin.

7. Disclaimer:

Jatropha gossypiifolia is a HIGHLY TOXIC PLANT. INGESTION OF ANY PART CAN CAUSE SEVERE VOMITING, DIARRHEA, ABDOMINAL PAIN, AND CAN BE FATAL.The latex is a strong skin irritant and can cause dermatitis and blistering. Internal use is absolutely not recommended. External use is also risky and should be undertaken with extreme caution. This information is for academic and identification purposes to highlight its dangers and controlled traditional use.

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

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Scientific journals on phytochemistry and toxicology.

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

1. Jatropha curcas (Danti)

· Species: Jatropha curcas | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Jatropha

· Similarities: Both are toxic plants from the same genus, used in traditional medicine as drastic purgatives and for wound healing. They share similar toxic compounds (like curcin) and require the same extreme caution.

2. Calotropis procera (Arka)

· Species: Calotropis procera | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Calotropis

· Similarities: Both plants produce a milky, toxic latex that is used externally for skin diseases, wounds, and as an irritant. Both are also used in minute, processed doses for purgation in traditional medicine, representing the principle of using potent toxins therapeutically.

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Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) on Jatropha plant