Physic Nut / Purging Nut / Barbados Nut

HERBAL GARDEN

Vivek college of Ayurvedic Sciences & Hospital Bijnor UP

रतनजोत

Classification

Synoyms

Wild castor
Jungle erandi
Jangli arand
Purging nut tree
Ratanjot

Habit

Deciduous shrub or small tree

Habitat

Grows in tropical and subtropical regions, commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Morphology

A medium-sized shrub or tree growing up to 3–5 meters
Leaves: Large, 3–5 lobed, green, alternate
Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, unisexual
Fruits: Ovoid capsules with three seeds
Seeds are oily and toxic if consumed raw

Chemical Composition

Phorbol esters (toxic)
Jatrophol
Curcin (toxic protein)
Saponins
Alkaloids
Tannins
Fatty acids: Oleic, Linoleic, Palmitic acids
Fixed oil (from seeds)
Resin
Gum

Guna-Karma

Rasa- Katu, Tikta
Guna-Tikshna, Ruksha, Laghu
Virya- Ushna
Vipaka- Katu
Karma- Bhedana, Krimighna, Vranahara, Kandughna, Shothahara
Doshakarma- Kapha-Vatahara

Medicinal uses

Latex used externally for wound healing, ulcers, eczema and fungal infections.
Seed oil used for joint pain and skin diseases.
Root decoction used traditionally as a vermifuge (anti-worm).
Acts as a strong purgative (to be used cautiously).
Useful in rheumatic pain, scabies and insect bites.

Useful Part

Seed oil, Latex, Leaf, Root

Doses

Seed oil 10-20 ml

Important Formulation

Jatropha Taila
lepa (paste) for wounds and inflammation

Shloka

रतनजोतोष्णवीर्यः कटुतिक्तो रक्तवर्णकः।
कुष्ठार्शःकृमिशोथघ्नो विषनाशन एव च॥

Hindi Name

बलराज / जंगल अरंडी

English Name