A REVIEW ON THE MEDICINAL USES AND TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBAL PLANT JATROPHA CURCAS L

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this review is to ascertain the therapeutic relevance of Jatropha curcas L., as well as its biological and pharmacological applications in order to give current evidence based applications and risks of toxicity of the plant. Method: Evidence based and highly relevant studies from peer reviewed papers pertaining to Jatropha curcas L. were thoroughly reviewed. Results: Jatropha curcas L. is utilized for medicinal uses and various segments of the plant contains an oil that is semi-dry which has shown to induce functional and important therapeutic remedies. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral activity are well known. Despite its medicinal properties, Jatropha plants are known for their poisonous nature. Previous studies on humans/animals have shown that it causes hepatotoxicity, cell death, diarrhea, depression, gastroenteritis, and many more and is caused by toxalbumins present in the plant. Conclusion: Jatropha curcas L., is a plant with numerous purposes with a handful of potential applications in multiple areas of medicine. Various parts of the plant have pharmacological uses that have undergone extensive research and studies. Nevertheless, it’s evident that further study has to be made before this plant can be established as a perennial medicinal plant due to its toxic nature.