Pinon Blanco

Jatropha curcas L.

The laticiferous deciduous shrub is about 1-5 (6) m high (Fig. 133). The stem is (DAB 14-18 em) cylindric, glabrous, with lenticels; and has white la- tex in the bark. Leaves are simple, alternating, with a petiole, about as long as the blade. Blades coria- ceous, glabrous, pubescent above the nerves ac- cording to ScHNEE; of ovate shape, 3-5 lobed, 5-10 (15) em long and 3-9 (15) em broad with an acumi- nate tip, entire margins and a cordiforme base. Venation palmate actinodromous, the 5 principal veins very prominent on the lower surfaces; petiole 3-8 em long, ribbed. The small unisexual flowers are united in cymose inflorescences, the bracts are linear or lanceolate. Calyx 5-lobed, lobules 4-5 mm long; 5 petals, oblong-obovate, 8-9 mm long, and hairy on the in- side; glands of the disc free. 8 stamens, outer fila- ments free, the inner filaments united. Ovary gla- brous, styles short. Hermaphrodite flowers exist be- sides the unisexual ones and the number of stamens varies between 6-10, as does the number of petals. The globular fruit is a capsule, 2.5-4 em in di- ameter with 3-2 cocci. The black seeds are 1-2 em long, reniform, and used in popular medicine.

The plant is toxic and therefore seldom used for food. Heat treatment would however remove the toxic substances, but this has not been done on a large commercial scale. Seeds of the related Ricinus communis can be detoxified by fermentation and are then used as food. This would also probably be possible with seeds of Jatropha. Toasted seeds are not toxic and are eaten by the natives. There are also varieties with a low content of phorbol esters which can be eaten toasted.

The seeds of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) contain an oil which is used as a purgative and as a very drastic vermifuge, but is also employed for illuminants and for soap pro-
duction. It is a latex-rich shrub, cultivated and used against parasites and for religious purposes. The latex is used for infected insect bites and for wound healing. The fruits of
Jatropha curcas L. were used by the Aztecs to obtain a black dye. The seed has also been called the physic nut or the purging nut, as it contains polypeptides that are known as toxins and can be fatal in children.

Leaves and seeds are mainly used in popular medicine. However, branches, roots and the latex (used separately) have their applications. Medicinal drugs: plantae, latex, semen. Leaf The use of the different plant organs is manifold. The leaves are used externally as cata- plasms or as a bath, as well as internally. Many cu- rative effects are ascribed to the plant. A decoction of the leaves is locally used for a bath in case of fever and against catarrh. Taken orally, the decoction cures gastrointestinal irrita- tions (such as constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach pain, intestinal parasites) and haemor- rhoids, cataract, venereal diseases, toothache, ec- zema, erysipelas, gonorrhoea, gout, leprosy, neural- gia, malaria, sunburn and rheumatism. The fresh leaves are applied in the treatment of erysipelas, wounds, swellings, burns, ulcers and jaundice. They are rubefacient and revulsive. The leaves in decoction are applied as a cata- plasm for external ulcers. For infected wounds, ulcers and indigestion, some leaves of a twig end are boiled in water and the wounds are cleaned with this decoction. The same decoction prepared together with the leaves of Hyptis suaveolens and of orange is taken against pain of the stomach. Yellow abscised leaves are boiled in water to cure kidney problems. Extract and latex of leaves and twigs are externally applied to cure haemorrhoids, ulcers, herpes and other infections of the skin. The decoction is applied as a cataplasm and a galactogogum. Fresh levaes in decoction are laxative, fresh and ground they are used as a cataplasm to mature ab- scesses and tumours. To cure headache, the leaves of Jatropha curcas are ground together with leaves of Petiveria alliacea and the mixture is soaked in water for 2-3 hours. The water is used to wash the hair. The sap of the petioles is rubbed on gums of children to cure mouth ulcers.

Latex. The latex of the leaves and the stem which is slightly rubefacient and antiseptic, is locally used for the treatment of gingivitis, to heal wounds, fractures, haemorrhoids, haemorrhage, herpes, ulcer, insect bites, burns, and warts. It is also applied for gargles and mouthwash against infections of the mouth and inflammations of the tongue, as well as against toothache and leprosy. Wound healing, stomachic, haemostatic antihae- morrhoidal and verrucocidal properties are ascribed to the latex as well. The latex of the stem is used in certain regions to cure infections of the mouth of children and as a keratolytic. The pure latex of leaves and stems is applied on wounds and poisonous insect bites for cicatrization. In the form of drops it controls nasal hemorrhage, herpes, ulcers, hemorrhoids and burns.

Peasants put the pure latex on a wad of cotton and apply it locally in the mouth, although it is well known that the latex is caustic. Applied to the temples for several days the latex cures inflammations of the eyes. Root. The root ground and boiled in hot water is used as a specific remedy against dysentery. The ethanolic extract of the root has antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus viridans. The methanolic extract of the root has anticonvulsive properties.

Seed. The seed and particularly its oil, is the part of the plant mostly used. The oil of the seed is applied to treat fractures, gout and burns. However, the seeds have first of all purgative and emetic properties and are used in case of oedema. With good reason, the plant is called higuera infernal in popular medicine, which means infernal fig, refer- ring to the drastic purgative effects. The oil is applied for oedema, chronic paralysis and against in- testinal worms. It is a very drastic vermifuge and a laxative. 4 or 5 fresh or dry seeds in decoction are taken as an emetic and a purgative; after which 2-3 cups of tea or coca-cola have to be taken. The fruit and seeds are reported to have contraceptive properties.

The oil of the seeds is extracted by pressure in a hot medium. Although it has a purgative effect, it can be used in the treatment of gout and toothache. The phorbolester causes vormiting and diarrhoea.

Method of use
As already mentioned, the different plant organs can be applied fresh, dried, in decoction and infusion, as a cataplasm or a bath. They are applied externally and taken orally. For exact details see above (the mentioned organs and the latex). Latex and oil are used either partly diluted or concentrated. The toxic principle which is present in all plant organs can be eliminated by heating.

Healing properties
The latex is caustic and the seed oil is emetic and purgative. Antibacterial activity has been demonstrated in the root. Leaves and branches have effects on lymphocytic leukemia. The root shows anticonvulsive properties. In some species of Jatropha, an antitumor compound has been reported. Abortive properties are attributed to the leaves. For further healing properties see the description of the different organs and of the latex and oil.

This information is gathered directly from:
South American Medicinal Plants- Ingred Roth, 1906