Veracruz jalap

Ipomoea purga

Ipomoea purga, commonly known as the Mexican morning glory or jalap, originates from traditional medicine practices in Mexico and Central America. It has been traditionally used for its purgative properties to treat constipation and other digestive issues. Scientific evidence suggests that compounds derived from Ipomoea purga exhibit potent cytotoxic activity, particularly with Jalapinoside showing potential as a modulator of multidrug resistance in human cancer cells. Six new glycosides were identified from Ipomoea species, one of which showed preliminary antiproliferative activity against glioma cells. Purgin II enhanced vinblastine activity in resistant cells, though other compounds had only moderate effects. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Ipomoea purga showed potent cytotoxic activity among the tested plants. D PMID
  • Jalapinoside, a macrocyclic bisdesmoside from Ipomoea purga, showed potential as a modulator of multidrug resistance in human cancer cells. D PMID
  • The study identified six new glycosides from Ipomoea species and found that one of them showed preliminary antiproliferative activity against glioma cells. D PMID
  • Purgin II, an ester-type dimer from Ipomoea purga, enhanced vinblastine activity in multidrug-resistant cells by over 2140-fold. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Veracruz jalap?

Veracruz jalap (Ipomoea purga) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Veracruz jalap?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Veracruz jalap; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Ipomoea purga showed potent cytotoxic activity among the tested plants.

How strong is the evidence for Veracruz jalap?

The strongest finding for Veracruz jalap carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Veracruz jalap safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Veracruz jalap in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Veracruz jalap interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Veracruz jalap in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Veracruz jalap?

Veracruz jalap is also known as: Ялапа.

Is Veracruz jalap a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Purgin II, a resin glycoside ester-type dimer and inhibitor of multidrug efflux pumps from Ipomoea purga. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Jalapinoside, a macrocyclic bisdesmoside from the resin glycosides of Ipomea purga, as a modulator of multidrug resistance in human cancer cells. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Hepta-, hexa-, penta-, tetra-, and trisaccharide resin glycosides from three species of Ipomoea and their antiproliferative activity on two glioma cell lines. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Cytotoxic potential of selected medicinal plants in northeast Brazil. literature abstract metadata