Jatropha

commonly known as physic nut or purging nut.

exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, effective against pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

The latex from jatropha is traditionally applied to cuts and wounds to promote faster healing and prevent infections.

The seeds of the plant act as a strong purgative, historically used to treat constipation. the seeds are rich in oil content (~30-50% by weight) which can be processed into biodiesel, phorbol esters, curcin lectin, highly toxic if consumed.

Jatropha is the gold standard biodiesel crop. grows on degraded land where food crops can't, it doesn't compete with food production, and its biodiesel meets all the technical specifications for use in regular diesel engines. major airlines have already used Jatropha biofuel for commercial flights.
biodiesel from Jatropha meets ASTM standards for cetane number, viscosity, flash point, and cold flow properties. it's been used successfully in commercial-scale operations in India, Brazil, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and across Africa.
the seed press cake left after oil extraction is a powerful natural pesticide and a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

leaf extract showed 97-100% inhibition of HIV in studies, including HIV strains that are resistant to the standard antiretroviral drugs (AZT and 3TC). it also blocks HIV from entering cells in the first place.

Jatropha kills breast, leukemia, liver, lung, colon, and cervical cancer cells. specifically interesting for breast cancer because three compounds (palmarumycin CP1, caniojane, jatropholone B) bind to both estrogen and progesterone receptors at pharmaceutical drug-strength levels.
however the high toxicity of the plant means anticancer use needs to come from isolated compounds, not crude extract.

used to treat eczema, Staph, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Salmonella, plus fungi like Candida and ringworm, and other skin infections.

The roots are known to contain an antidote against snake venom. Jatropha root extract neutralizes the toxic enzymes in snake venom, particularly the metalloproteinases that cause tissue damage and bleeding. not a substitute for antivenom in an actual emergency, but a documented pharmacological activity.

Jatropha leaves contain apigenin and vitexin, two flavonoids with direct antimalarial activity against the most dangerous malaria species (Plasmodium falciparum).

Jatropha extracts lower blood sugar by blocking carb-digesting enzymes, improving insulin sensitivity, and protecting the pancreatic cells that make insulin from oxidative damage.

Jatropha is one of the most effective plants for cleaning petroleum-contaminated soil. Jatropha can be planted on petroleum-contaminated sites and within 6 months, remove 89-96% of waste lubricating oil contamination through a combination of root uptake and stimulation of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the rhizosphere.

it also removes heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, chromium, copper) and pesticide residues.
unique advantage: the contaminated biomass can still be used for biodiesel after cleanup. it cleans the soil AND produces fuel at the same time.

Oil obtained from the seeds are used in the treatment of skin diseases and rheumatic pains. It also stimulates hair growth. The root bark is used for sores, dysentery, and jaundice.

The seed oil is used in the production of soap and cosmetic products due to its emollient properties, though proper processing is required to remove toxins.

leaves and seeds have been used as natural pesticides and insect repellents in agricultural settings.

jatropha oil has been used in oil lamps as a source of light in rural areas.

the white latex applied to mouth sores and infections kills oral bacteria including the cavity-causing Streptococcus species. the root extract stops bleeding from gums.

extracts from Jatropha seeds, leaves, latex, or bark have been used as herbal contraceptives for both men and women. spermicidal, killing sperm on contact (similar to the spermicide nonoxynol-9), prevents fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus, disrupts the female cycle by extending the non-fertile phase and shortening the fertile window, and terminates early pregnancy through fetal resorption (the 6-8 day post-conception window, which is the same window emergency contraceptives target).

Jatropha latex has both clotting and anti-clotting activity depending on dose. at higher concentrations, it acts as an anticoagulant similar to heparin.
good for people with blood clot conditions (DVT, stroke history, pulmonary embolism, post-surgical clotting risk) who need natural anticoagulant support.
small topical amounts stop bleeding (hemostatic), concentrated extracts thin blood (anticoagulant).
do not stack with prescription blood thinners because the effects compound dangerously.