Barbados nut
Jatropha curcas
Jatropha curcas, a plant native to Central America but widely distributed in tropical regions around the world, has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Scientific research has shown promising results, such as developing an 88% leaf explant regeneration protocol and reducing methane emissions by 17% without affecting growth performance in Merino lambs through supplementation with Jatropha curcas extract. Additionally, a study identified twelve RIP genes in the plant, indicating potential genetic variability across different tissues. While there is limited acaricidal activity compared to other plants like Ricinus communis and Azadirachta indica against Amblyomma variegatum, these findings are preliminary. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Jatropha curcas.
- 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
- Jatropha curcas showed 16.7% tick mortality at 100 mg/mL concentration in the study.
- The study identified twelve RIP genes in Jatropha curcas, with varying expression patterns across tissues.
- Supplementation with Jatropha curcas extract reduced methane emission by 17% without affecting growth performance in Merino lambs.
- A high-frequency adventitious shoot regeneration protocol was developed using leaf explants from Jatropha curcas, with an 88% regeneration frequency and 18.7 shoots per explant under optimized conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Barbados nut?
Barbados nut (Jatropha curcas) 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 Barbados nut?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Barbados nut; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Jatropha curcas showed 16.7% tick mortality at 100 mg/mL concentration in the study.
How strong is the evidence for Barbados nut?
The strongest finding for Barbados nut carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Barbados nut safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Barbados nut in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Barbados nut interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Barbados nut in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Barbados nut?
Barbados nut is also known as: Ятрофа куркас.
Is Barbados nut 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
- T2 Dietary plant extracts reduce methane emission and modulate rumen microbial functionality in Merino lambs. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In silico analysis of gene family and ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) from Jatropha curcas L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acaricidal activity of plant extracts against Amblyomma variegatum in Waghimra, Northeastern Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 High-Frequency Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from Leaf Explants of Jatropha curcas L. literature abstract metadata