Red Jatropha or « Babatidjin » : preventing and treating health problems

---

Extract from the article: Jatropha gossypifolia or red Jatropha, also known as « Babatidjin » in Ewe in Togo and "Gnoukpotounvôvô" in Fon in Benin, is one of the most widespread plants in tropical Africa. The young leaves and stem are generally dark purple in colour. Througho

---

Jatropha gossypifolia or red Jatropha, also known as « Babatidjin » in Ewe in Togo and "Gnoukpotounvôvô" in Fon in Benin, is one of the most widespread plants in tropical Africa. The young leaves and stem are generally dark purple in colour. Throughout tropical Africa, various parts of red Jatropha are used for all kinds of medicinal applications.

Red Jatropha contains proteins, carbohydrates, fibre and fatty acids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids. Phytochemical research has also revealed the presence of lignans in stem, root and seed extracts, and flavonoids and triterpenes in the leaves. These active compounds have purgative and haemostatic (stopping bleeding), anti-rheumatic, antiseptic and diuretic therapeutic properties.

Anti-parasitic effect

Consumption of 'Babatidjin' has an anti-parasitic effect, especially on Plasmodium falciparum.Studies have shown that hot water extracts of the aerial parts have antimalarial properties.The oil-rich seeds, the oil itself, the leaves and the bark are used as a purgative, i.e. to speed up intestinal transit and expel internal parasites. The leaves are also used to expel worms and treat oedema.

In Senegal, for example, a decoction of leaves is used to treat colic, stomach ache and fever, including malaria. In Ghana, the juice from the leaves is applied to babies' tongues to treat thrush, a candidiasis of the oral mucosa that forms white patches, and to adults' tongues to treat inflammation. The roots are used to treat dysentery, an infectious bacterial or parasitic (amoebic) disease that causes colic and bloody, slimy stools.

« Boil the water and pour over the fresh leaves, which have been disinfected beforehand and placed in a container. Close the container and leave the water until lukewarm. Pour in freshly cut lemon juice and then drink 01 glass of bamboo twice a day for 03-05 days, depending on the extent of the malaria », recommends Mathieu Kponou Tobossi, Naturotherapy Consultant.

Menstruation

« Babatidjin » leaves have a gonadal-stimulating or hormone-regulating effect, and can be used to manage menstrual and fertility disorders.Prepare the leaves and other aerial parts over a fire in drinking water.Mr Mathieu Kponou Tobossi, naturotherapy consultant, advises: « Collect the tea after cooking and filtering. Take 01 Madeira glass + the same quantity of lemon juice, mix well and drink. Do this three times a day (morning, noon and evening, 30 minutes after meals). Be careful, this course of treatment should be taken over at least three successive cycles in cases of unjustifiable menopause or infertility ».

Against microbes

Red jatropha has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.It combats diarrhoea, microbial infections and pain. This is thanks to its own diterpenes called « Jatrophones ». Some medicinal studies have shown that consumption of Jatropha gossypiifolia has significant activity against fungi and certain bacteria.

For skin problems

Red Jatropha can be used to treat skin infections.Its juice is widely reputed to heal wounds, for its haemostatic properties and for treating skin problems.It is also used to treat infected wounds, cuts, abrasions, ringworm, eczema, dermatomycosis, scabies and venereal diseases.Some countries in tropical Africa also use it to relieve the pain caused by bee and wasp stings.

A blood-thinning effect

Placing a few drops of the fresh sap on a bleeding wound induces haemostasis, in other words, all the phenomena that prevent or stop bleeding, such as the coagulation of blood plasma. A leaf extract has shown significant activity as an anticoagulant for haematological analyses.

Reduced blood pressure

According to the naturopathic consultant, « Babatidjin has a vasculo-protective effect, mainly by strengthening the resistance of the capillaries and secondarily of the arteries, which is why it has an antihypertensive effect ». A study on rats showed that oral administration of red jatropha caused a significant dose-related reduction in systolic blood pressure.In rabbits, it significantly reduced blood pressure levels.

Natural antioxidantThe plant has an antioxidant effect through the scavenging of free radicals by its flavonoids. A decoction of the leaves and root of 'Babatidjin' may have a significant inhibitory effect on different human cancer cell lines.

« Babatidjin » corrects the cause of anaemia

Many people claim that red Jatropha treats anaemia.According to the specialist, « the treatment is not direct.It's indirect, because the red blood cells are destroyed by malaria germs, i.e. plasmodias, and also by certain bacteria in the case of infections. As a result, anaemia is generally a problem in these types of pathology ». Since "Babatidjin" is effective against malaria and is also involved in infectious syndromes, by treating the problem at the root of the anaemia, we can see that the haemoglobin level no longer falls and it recovers. « It's not Babatidjin that provides iron and vitamin C to restore haemoglobin. Red Jatropha only corrects the cause of the anaemia. People need to be very careful about treating anaemia with "Babatidjin". This plant does not treat anaemia directly », stresses Tobossi.

Side effects

Although therapeutic, the leaves and seeds are quite toxic (neuromuscular, respiratory and digestive systems) if eaten raw.Skin irritation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea have also been reported in some individuals.

For proper storage, store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.Do not freeze or leave within the reach of children or pets.

Abel OZIH