A comprehensive review on the phytochemical constituents and bioactivities of Jatropha curcas L.
Abstract
Jatropha curcas L., belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, is a multifunctional medicinal plant with extensive ethnopharmacological relevance. Various parts of the plant are used to treat a wide range of ailments. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of cancer, digestive disorders, skin diseases, and infectious diseases. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, diterpenes, coumarins, lignans, and cyclic peptides. Additionally, primary metabolites present in different plant parts have also been associated with antimicrobial activity. Extracts and isolated compounds from different parts of the plant exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, analgesic, procoagulant, anticoagulant, and abortifacient effects. Jatropha curcas seed and leaf extracts exhibit effective insecticidal activity against a wide range of insect pests. Their efficacy, influenced by extraction solvent and application method, supports their potential use as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides in sustainable pest management. This review primarily includes literature published between 2014 and 2024, retrieved from electronic scientific databases. However, selected studies published before 2014 were also included to provide historical background, taxonomic information, traditional medicinal uses, and foundational phytochemical and pharmacological evidence. The paper offers a current summary of Jatropha curcas botanical traits, phytochemical components, and pharmacological activities, emphasizing its therapeutic potential, safety issues, and opportunities for the creation of new herbal medications. Research from 2014 to 2024 covers botanical characteristics, pharmacological activities, phytochemical profiling, and safety and therapeutic potential of a plant''s bark, seed, and leaf. The plant contains phytochemical constituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, diterpene, coumarins, lignans, and cyclic peptides. Biological activities identified are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, analgesic, procoagulant, anti-coagulant, and abortifacient effects. Medicinal and therapeutic applications include wound healing, treatment of infectious diseases, and cancer treatment. Seed and leaf extracts show insecticidal activity effective against various insect pests and have ecofriendly biopesticide potential. Safety considerations highlight toxicity due to phorbol esters in seeds and the need for proper processing.