Barbados nut
Jatropha curcas
Jatropha curcas is a plant native to Central America but widely distributed in tropical regions around the world, including Africa and Asia. Traditionally, its uses have not been well-documented; however, it has shown promise in various scientific studies. In one study, Jatropha curcas demonstrated significant tick-killing potential with 16.7% mortality at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Additionally, the plant was found to contain twelve RIP genes, indicating its genetic diversity and complexity. Another study indicated that supplementation with Jatropha curcas extract could reduce methane emissions by 17% in Merino lambs without affecting their growth performance, suggesting potential benefits for livestock management. While no major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded, the scientific evidence remains limited and more research is needed to fully understand its applications and effects.
- 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