Physic Nut, Barbados Nut

Jatropha curcas

Physical Characteristics

Jatropha curcas is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Tropical S. America - probably Central America to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Salt Tender young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable[272 ]. The young leaves may be safely eaten when steamed or stewed[303 ]. Some caution is advised - see notes above on toxicity[K , 200 ]. Ashes from the roots and branches are used as cooking salt[303 ]. Cooked nuts are eaten in certain regions of Mexico[303 ]. The seeds, though agreeable to the taste, are purgative, and, if eaten in considerable quantities, poisonous. The taste is very much like that of beechnuts (Fagus spp.).[459 ]

Medicinal Uses

Antibiotic Antihaemorrhoidal Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Antitussive Appetizer Astringent Diuretic Dysentery Eczema Emetic Laxative Malaria Mouthwash Odontalgic Purgative Skin Styptic Although widely used in traditional medicine, and to an extent in modern medicine, it should be noted that all parts of the plant are very poisonous and so extreme caution should be employed if utilising this plant for any internal use[K , 200 ]. Modern research has supported the traditional uses. For example, the latex has antibiotic properties against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogens[303 ]. It also has coagulating effects on blood plasma[303 ]. A methanol extract of the leaves afforded moderate protection for cultured human lymphoblastoid cells against the cytopathic effects of the human immunodeficiency virus[303 ]. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of malarial fevers, and is also useful in reducing swellings caused by inflammation[272 ]. This juice is also applied externally to treat burns, scabies, eczema and ringworm[272 ]. The fresh bark is cut into small pieces and chewed or kept in the mouth for 1 - 2 hours in order to treat pyorrhoea[272 ]. A paste of the bark is applied to the gums to treat wounds and swellings of the gums[272 ]. The thin twigs are popularly used in Nepal as toothbrushes to treat toothache[272 ]. They are considered especially good for treating bleeding and swollen gums[272 ]. A leaf infusion is used as a diuretic, for bathing, to treat coughs, and as an enema in treating convulsions and fits[303 ]. The leaves are also used to treat jaundice, fevers, rheumatic pains, guinea worm sores and poor development of the foetus in pregnant women[303 ]. In Ghana the ashes from the burnt leaves are applied by rectal injection for treating haemorrhoids[303 ]. The juice of the leaves, or the latex, is applied directly to wounds and cuts as a styptic and astringent to clean teeth, gums, and to treat sores on the tongue and in the mouth[303 ]. It is also considered useful for treating decayed teeth[272 , 348 ]. The seeds resemble groundnuts in flavour, and 15 - 20 seeds will cause griping, purging and vomiting for 30 minutes. It is reported from Gabon that 1 - 2 roasted seeds are sufficient to act as a purgative; larger doses may be dangerous. The seeds have been substituted for castor oil and are sometimes called 'larger castor oil'. The seeds are also used in the treatment of syphilis[303 ]. The oil from the seeds, known as 'curcas'’ is a powerful purgative and emetic[46 , 272 ]. The oil is widely used for treating skin diseases such as herpes, itches, eczema and boils; and also to soothe pain such as that caused by rheumatism; it is an ingredient in the oily extract, known in Hausa as 'kufi', which is a rubefacient for rheumatism and for parasitic skin conditions. The oil is used to stimulate hair growth. It is used in the treatment of [272 ]. It is warmed and used to dress burns[272 ]. The cotyledons are used to treat constipation and as an appetizer[272 ]. The root bark is used to relieve the spasms of infantile tetanus and is used for sores, dysentery and jaundice[303 ]. The juice of the roots is applied to boils and pimples[272 ]. The juice of the flowers has numerous medicinal qualities[303 ].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are extremely purgative and poisonous[200 ]. The oil from the seed contains a toxin, curcasin[303 ]. The albumen of the kernel is a poison, toxalbumen cursin, most abundant in the embryo[303 ]. Another poison, a croton resin, occurs in the seeds and causes redness and pustular eruptions of the skin[303 ]. The plant is listed as a fish poison[303 ]. (All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)