Medicinal Plants

Jatropha curcas L.

Jarak Pagar

Euphorbiaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Jatropha curcas (Jarak Pagar) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Jatropha curcas (Jarak Pagar) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Jatropha curcas (Jarak Pagar)

Summary

Jarak pagar (Jatropha curcas) is a shrub up to 3 meters tall of the Euphorbiaceae family, originating from southern Mexico, brought by Portuguese and Spanish explorers to Africa and Asia, then entering Indonesia through Japanese occupation. Its seeds are an alternative biofuel source as well as an ingredient for body care products. Traditionally, jarak pagar is also believed to improve blood circulation and stop bleeding.

Agroecology

Generally found in subtropical to tropical regions at elevations of 500-1,600 m above sea level. Prefers full sunlight, soil with good drainage and aeration, soil pH between 5.5-7.5, average temperature 11-28 °C, rainfall 520-2,000 mm/year.

Morphology

  • Roots taproot and fibrous.
  • Stem somewhat thick sap, brown.
  • Leaves broad, heart-shaped, smooth or slightly lobed edges, and long-stalked.
  • Flowers perfect, yellowish-green. Male and female flowers are each arranged in a cup-shaped cluster.
  • Fruit egg-shaped, divided into three chambers, not splitting open, each chamber containing 1 oblong-round shaped seed.

Cultivation

Plant propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (branch or stem cuttings, grafting, budding, tissue culture).

Chemical Content

Bark: tannins, resin. Leaves: sitosterol, kaempferol compounds, stigmasterol, amyrin, taraxerol. Seeds: β-glucanase, toxalbumin and curcin. Sap: flavonoids, saponins, jatrophie.

Benefits

Improves blood circulation (stagnant blood dispelling), relieves swelling and itching (anti-pruritic), stops bleeding, leprosy remedy, fever, promotes hair growth, rheumatism, addresses bloating in infants and toddlers, eases childbirth in healthy pregnancies.

Simplisia

Not yet available.

Local Names

Jarak costa (Malay), Jarak kusta (Sunda), Kalele (Madura), Jarak pager (Bali), Bintalo (Gorontalo), Balacai hisa (Ternate).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Contraceptive Remedy from Jarak Pagar

1. Contraceptive Remedy

  • Select an adequate amount of dried jarak fruit, wash thoroughly.
  • Roast the fruit then pound.
  • The resulting concoction can be made into tea or coffee.
  • Usage rule: 1 fruit for 1 year. 3 fruits for 3 years.
Traditional recipe Addressing Bloating in Infants and Toddlers from Jarak Pagar

2. Addressing Bloating in Infants and Toddlers

  • Wash 1 leaf thoroughly, coat with cooking oil then heat over low fire until wilted.
  • Apply to the infant's or toddler's stomach (not covering the navel). Leave until the leaf dries.
Traditional recipe Reducing Fever from Jarak Pagar

3. Reducing Fever

  • Wash 10-15 fresh leaves, boil with 2 liters of water until it boils.
  • Use the boiled water for bathing.

 

Reference Sources

  1. CABI. (2015). Invasive Species Compendium. Jatropha curcas (jatropha). https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/28393. 02-02-2021.
  2. Fern, Ken. (2014). Useful Tropical Plants. Jatropha curcas. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Jatropha+curcas. 02-02-2021.
  3. Ling, K.H., Kian, C.T., & Hoon, T.C. (2009). A Guide to Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated, Scientific and Medicinal Approach. World Scientific Publishing Co.Pte.Ltd., Singapore 81-82.
  4. StuartXchange. (2016). Philippine Medicinal Plants. Tubang-bakod. http://www.stuartxchange.org/TubangBakod.html 02-02-2021