Physic Nut
(Jatropha curcas L)
Physic Nut
(Jatropha curcas L)
Originating from Central America, in southern Mexico, this plant spread widely to Africa and Asia, brought by Portuguese and Spanish explorers. It was introduced to Indonesia by the Japanese during their occupation. Jatropha curcas is widely cultivated in tropical regions as a medicinal plant, a living fence, a biofuel crop, and an ingredient in personal care products.
Grows in tropical and subtropical climates, with full sunlight (6 hours or more), moderate soil moisture content, soil Generally found in subtropical to tropical areas at an altitude of 500-1,600 m above sea level. Likes full sunlight, soil with good drainage and aeration, soil pH between 5.5-7.5, average temperature of 11-28 °C, rainfall 520-2,000 mm/year. humid, has good drainage, temperature 16 °C.
Taproots and fibers.
The gummy stems are slightly thick and brown.
The leaves are wide, heart-shaped, with flat or slightly curved edges, and have long stems.
Perfect flower, yellowish green. The male and female flowers are each arranged in a series in the form of a cup.
The fruit is egg-shaped, divided into three chambers, does not open, in each chamber there is 1 oval-shaped seed.
Plant propagation is done generatively (seeds) and vegetatively (branch or stem cuttings, grafting, budding, tissue culture).
Improves blood circulation (stagnant blood dispelling), eliminates swelling and itching (anti-pruritic), stops bleeding, treats leprosy, fever, hair growth, rheumatism, treats bloating in babies and toddlers, facilitates childbirth in healthy pregnancies.
Bark: tannins, resin. Leaves: sitosterol, kaempferol compounds, stigmasterol, amirin, teraxrol. Seeds: β-glucanase, toxalbumin and curcin. Sap: flavonoids, saponins, jatrophie.
Reduce fever
Wash 10-15 fresh leaves and boil them in 2 liters of water until boiling.
Use the boiled water for bathing.
Socfindo Conservation. 2023. Jarak Pagar. https://www.socfindoconservation.co.id/plant/452 (29-04-2023)