Amazing Jatropha
The Jatropha plant (also known as “tubang hakod” or “tuba-tuba”) is truly a biochemical wonder. Centuries before it gained popularity as a wellspring of precious biodiesel, rural communities in the tropics have already embraced its dual identity: a medicine cabinet for various body ailments as well as a toxic plant they have to be careful of.
Dr. Eustaquio G. Aragones, Jr., botanist of the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), recently scanned the literature on Jatropha’s medicinal value and toxicity.
“Because it is both a strongly beneficial and harmful plant thriving all over the Philippines, Jatropha is one species we need to understand well, “he says.
In the country’s rural villages, al-most all of its parts are tapped for their medicinal benefits. Aragones gives some examples: “The leaves are good for treating cough, fever, diarrhea and for stimulating milk production in lactating women. The roots are a remedy for edema, gout, paralysis, skin diseases and intestinal worms, while the fresh sap is said to be effective against wounds, bleeding gums, ulcers, scabies, eczema and ringworm.”
“The irony,” stresses Aragones,” is that the same parts that heal are also the ones that can harm people who not know how to handle them. So the critical thing is for people NEVER TO USE JATROPHA FOR CURT. UNLESS THEY REALLY KNOW HOW.”
Jatropha sap can cause skin irritation, while the seed, which contains phytotoxin curcin, if swallowed in large doses (20 pieces or more) can cause poisoning in both humans and animals.
In South and East Africa, India, South Florida, Hawaii, England and the Philippines, documented cases of Jatropha seed poisoning – usually among school children – are characterized by diarrhea, nausea, a burning sensation in the throat, fever, acute stomach pain, depression and collapse.
“Its dark side notwithstanding, Jatropha’s usefulness is undeniable,” Aragones continues. Aside from its biofuel and curative benefits, it is also a source of a very potent insecticide, rat poison, and oil for making candles and soaps.”
“This once lowly weed growing in many of our wastelands may have reached star status among plantation crops, but still it continues to brim with promise. Its high anti-cancer properties, for instance, have not yet been carefully studied. A group of wise researchers and funding partners would do well to mine this plant’s hidden treasures.”
By Rizalina K. Araral
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