Curcas Latex Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Jatropha curcas Latex Based Gel for the Treatment of Canker Sores

Formulation and Evaluation of Jatropha curcas Latex Based Gel for the Treatment of Canker Sores

Antioxidant activity, total phenol contents, and antimacrobial activity of two Yemeni medicinal plants belongs to Euphorbiaceae family(Jatropha curcas and Euphorbia Cactus Ehrenb

Jatropha curcas and Euphorbia Cactus Ehrenb plants which belonging to Euphorbiaceae family is employed to cure different infections in traditional folklore medicine. Antioxidant activity and total phenol contents (TPCs) for latex of this two plants were analyzed and examined its antimicrobial effect. Both plants showed high antioxidant activity and highly phenolic contents. Positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenol has been noted. Jatropha curcas latex demonstrated significant inhibition against the test microorganisms.

Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Jatropha curcas latex and its antimicrobial activity on clinical isolates

The increasing rate of resistance to antibiotics has led to endless search for new drugs of natural origin with antimicrobial activities. The work was aimed at evaluating the phyto-constituents of J. curcas latex and its antibacterial activities against some selected clinical bacterial isolates. Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (Gc-ms) analysis of latex of J. curcas phyto-constituents was done and tested for antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activity of the latex was determined on some selected clinical bacterial isolates using cup plate agar diffusion bioassay method. The main constituents include:-alpha.-benzamido-2-hydroxycinnamic acid, Pentanoic acid, 3-methyl-, N,N-dimethylaminoethanol, (2E,4E)-N-isobutyltetradeca-2,4-dienamide, Oxime-, methoxy-phenyl-, 1-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-2-methylpropan-2-amine, Maltol-dodecanoic acid, methyl ester, Theobromine, Hexadecanoic acid, Methyl ester, Methyl stearate, 1,1,2-trimethyl-3,8,9-trioxa-bicyclo[4.2.1]nonane. Antibacterial activity of latex on clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp and Salmonella typhi showed the latex had relatively high activity against all these bacteria except Citrobacter spp and Salmonella typhi. Latex of J. curcas had considerable percentage of therapeutically useful phyto-constituents and activity against most clinical bacteria isolates used in this work.

Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Jatropha curcas latex and its antimicrobial activity on clinical isolates

Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Jatropha curcas latex and its antimicrobial activity on clinical isolates

In Vitro Studies of Jatropha curcas L. Latex Spray Formulation for Wound Healing Applications.

There is an increasing demand for wound healing products of natural origin. Our objective was to develop a spray formulation from Jatropha curcas (J. curcas) L. latex extracts for wound healing applications. J. curcas L. latex was subjected to solvent extraction. The phytochemical structure was elucidated by 1H-NMR and confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer spectrometry. A topical spray formulation prepared from J. curcas latex extracts was evaluated in terms of its antimicrobial activity and radical scavenging activity. The toxicity of the formulation on fibroblast cell lines, collagen production, and wound healing activities were tested. The 1H-NMR and mass spectrometric analyses revealed the pure compound as curcacycline A. The J. curcas latex extract formulation had radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Moreover, the formulation was not toxic to the human fibroblast cells and it stimulated collagen production and healed cell injury in 24 h. The J. curcas latex extract promoted wound healing after cell injury. Our findings indicate the possibility of utilizing the J. curcas latex extract spray formulation as a potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing product from nature.

Acute Toxicity of Jatropha Curcas L. Latex and Its Histopathological Effects on Dental Pulp and Periapical Tissues

Traditional uses of Jatropha curcas L. latex,among others, are to cure toothache. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of J. curcas latex by oral route and to assess the histopathological effects of J. curcas latex on dental pulp and periapical tissues. For acute toxicity, the latex of 5 g/kg BW was administered intragastrically to the test groups of albino mice and water to the control groups. The assessment was based upon mortality, sign of toxicity, body weight, and histological evaluation of organs. Results showed no mortality in mice up to 5 g/kg body weight, no sign of toxicity, and no tissue alterations macroscopically and histopathologically were observed. There’s no significant difference in body weight between the test and control, both in male and female groups. For testing histopathologic effect on dental pulp, the latex was brought in contact with dental pulp and sealed. The assessment was based on the presence of inflammation and necrosis in dental pulp and periapical tissues, histopathologically. Results showed inflammation and necrosis, which was in direct contact with the latex were observed in a limited area, while underneath was normal pulp. No inflammation or necrosis in periapical tissues was observed in all groups. It caused coagulative necrosis in the pulp which was in direct contact with latex. It can be concluded that J. curcas latex is slightly toxic to mice at a single dose of oral administration. Inflammation and necrosis are observed on dental pulp which is in contact with latex while the tissue underneath is normal. It did not caused inflammation on periapical tissues.

The Mitigating Effect of Jatropha curcas L. Latex against Genotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin

Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is a multiple purpose lacticiferous plant with potential for biodiesel production and medicinal uses. There is in the literature different analyses about the toxic and cytogenotoxic effects of J. curcas extracts, but few information about latex toxicity. In addition, few models were employed to evaluate the toxicity response to J. curcas latex, and the toxicity in in vivo mammal’s model has not been tested yet. The cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of J. curcas latex were investigated using mouse bone marrow erythrocytes. The results indicated a cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of this latex to mammalian cells. But, when J. curcas latex was co-administrated with doxorubicin (DXR – chemotherapy medication), a reduction in the number of micronuclei was observed, indicating an interaction between J. curcas latex and DXR. The interaction of latex with DXR can cause a reduction in the activity of this drug and impair the treatment of its users. Moreover, there is a lack of data on herb–drug interactions, what should be more investigated to safeguard the wellbeing of patients.

Antimicrobial potential of toothpaste formulated from extracts of Syzygium aromaticum, Dennettia tripetala and Jatropha curcas latex against some oral pathogenic microorganisms

The need for a broad spectrum antimicrobial mouthwash is highly desirable to reduce, control and prevent various types of dental diseases. Hence, research into the production of herbal toothpaste to suppress the incidence of dental diseases is pertinent. The present study formulated herbal toothpastes from edible and medicinal plants namely; Syzygium aromaticum, Dennettia tripetala, and Jatropha curcas latex. The antimicrobial activity of the toothpastes was assessed against some oral pathogenic microorganisms using agar well diffusion. Phytochemical analysis of S. aromaticum and D. tripetala revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloid, and saponins. The major constituent of the plants from gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS) analysis are eugenol (83.58%), caryophyllene (4.35%) and phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-, acetate (12.07%) from S. aromaticum, while D. tripetala had glutaric acid (57.57%), eugenol (2.9%), caryophyllene (1.12%), and 1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-,(E)- (3.36%). The pH and specific gravity of the formulated toothpastes respectively ranged from 8.57 to 9.67 and 1.08 to 1.10, while the pH and specific gravity of commercial toothpastes were from 5.39 to 8.55 and 0.97 to 1. 11 respectively. The formulated toothpastes have better and significant (P < 0.05) antimicrobial effect when compared to commercial toothpastes. The zones of inhibition of formulated toothpastes against the tested microorganisms ranged from 4.0 to 18.30 mm, while MIC ranged from 2.5 to 20.0 mg/mL. The formulated toothpastes exhibited potent antimicrobial property against the tested pathogens as a result of bioactive compounds in them. Hence, these biomolecules can be extracted for the production of safe and effective herbal-based toothpaste.

Antiangiogenic potential of Jatropha curcas latex in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model

AIMS: To perform a physicochemical and phytochemical characterization of Jatropha curcas latex and to investigate its antiangiogenic potential. METHODS: We performed an initial physicochemical characterization of J. curcas latex using thermal gravimetric analyses and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. After that, phenols, tannins and flavonoids were quantified. Finally, the potential of J. curcas latex to inhibit angiogenesis was evaluated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane model. Five groups of 20 fertilized chicken eggs each had the chorioallantoic membrane exposed to the following solutions: (1) water, negative control; (2) dexamethasone, angiogenesis inhibitor; (3) Regederm®, positive control; (4) 25% J. curcas latex diluted in water; (5) 50% J. curcas latex diluted in water; and (6) J. curcas crude latex. Analysis of the newly-formed vascular net was made through captured images and quantification of the number of pixels. Histological analyses were performed to evaluate the inflammation, neovascularization, and hyperemia parameters. The results were statically analyzed with a significance level set at p ˂0.05.RESULTS: Physicochemical characterization showed that J. curcas latex presented a low amount of cis-1.4-polyisoprene, which reduced its elasticity and thermal stability. Phytochemical analyses of J. curcas latex identified a substantial amount of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids (51.9%, 11.8%, and 0.07% respectively). Using a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we demonstrated the antiangiogenic potential of J. curcas latex. The latex induced a decrease in the vascularization of the membranes when compared with neutral and positive controls (water and Regederm®). However, when compared with the negative control (dexamethasone), higher J. curcas latex concentrations showed no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS: J. curcas latex showed low thermal stability, and consisted of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids, but little or no rubber. Moreover, this latex demonstrated a significant antiangiogenic activity on a chick chorioallantoic membrane model. The combination of antimutagenic, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antiangiogenic properties makes J. curcas latex a potential target for the development of new drugs.

Evaluation of the wound healing effects of Jatropha curcas latex on intact and wounded skin in wistar rats

BACKGROUND: Wounds have posed a major challenge to human. It has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality. One of the herbs commonly used among the Edo people to treat wound is Jatropha curcas. It is used for the treatment of superficial wound, to secure hemostasis on wounded skin, as purgative, soap, and for making hedge around farm. It is a species of flowering plant in the genus Jatropha in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. AIM: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of J. curcas sap on normal and wounded skin of rats. The objectives were to investigate the wound-healing effects of J. curcas in Wistar rats as well as its effects on intact skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved the use of 24 Wistar rats which were placed in four Groups of six Wistar rats each (labeled A, B, C, and D). Group A had 3-cm long incision inflicted on the back of the Wistar rats and was treated with the latex of J. curcas. This was compared with Group B that had the same size of wound and was treated with 0.9% normal saline. Group C had the crude sap of J. curcas applied on intact skin. Group D had no wound and nothing applied to the skin. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days, and the histology of the normal and wounded skin was examined. RESULTS: The J. curcas formed blood clots within 5 s of application unlike that treated with normal saline. The histological examination showed that the healing with J. curcas was greater with the re-establishment of the skin layer. The unwounded skin treated with J. curcas latex showed exfoliation of the stratum corneum. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that the latex of Jatropha curcas has haemostatic properties. There was greater wound healing effects when compared to normal saline.

Angiogenesis activity of Jatropha curcas L. latex in cream formulation on wound healing in mice.

Aim:The aim of this research was to determine the angiogenesis activity of Jatropha curcas latex in cream formulation on CD34 immune expression during wound healing phase in mice skin.Materials and Methods:Amount of 36 2-month-old male mice were used between 30 and 40 g. To surgical procedures, wound skin incision was performed 2.0 cm in length until subcutaneous on the paravertebral of each animal. The treatment was carried under locally anesthetized with procaine cream. All mice were divided into four groups, namely the base cream as control group (A), sulfadiazine 0.1% cream (B), Jatropha curcas latex cream 10% (C), and J. curcas latex cream 15% (D). All groups were treated entire surface of wound. All experiments were performed twice a day for 10 days. Experiments were terminated on days 3, 7, and 10, respectively. The wound healing was assayed in stained histological section in immunohistochemical of the wounds. The CD34 expression was investigated under a microscope.Results:The results showed that the cream from 10% and 15% latex J. curcas revealed moderate immune reaction to CD34 on days 3 and 7 in wound healing of mice skin.Conclusion:We concluded that the cream from 10% and 15% latex J. curcas has potential as angiogenesis activity in wound healing of mice skin.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Jatropha curcas Linn. latex in cream formulation on CD68 expression in mice skin wound.

Aim:The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential of Jatropha curcas latex in the cream formulation on CD68 immune expression (macrophages) during inflammatory phase wound healing process in mice skin.Materials and Methods:Amount of 12 two-months-old male mice were used between 30 and 40 g. To surgical procedures, wound skin incision was performed 2.0 cm in length until subcutaneous on the paravertebral of each animal. The treatment was carried under locally anesthetized with procaine cream. The mice were allotted into four groups of each, entire surface of each group wound covered by base cream control, sulfadiazine 0.1% cream, J. curcas latex cream 10% and, 15%, respectively. All experiments were performed twice a day for 3 days. The wound healing was assayed in stained histological sections in immunohistochemical of the wounds. CD68 expression was investigated under a microscope.Results:The results showed that the cream from the 10% and 15% latex of J. curcas revealed moderate immune reaction to CD68 on wound healing.Conclusion:We concluded that the latex cream of J. curcas possesses anti-inflammatory activity in wound healing process of mice skin.

Factors that influence in Jatropha curcas L. latex production

ABSTRACT Latex from Jatropha curcas L. exhibits biotechnological potential for the development of biodiesel and drugs. Little is known about the collection methods and latex productivity of this species. In order to garner information on the use of J. curcas latex, factors that influence production by this species were assessed. As a result, no significant difference was found between the volume of latex collected in the stem and the branches. With respect to environmental characteristics, climatic conditions, such as low temperatures and rainfall, affected production. The period of low temperatures and leaf fall occurs after fruit harvest and, in the absence of strong sinks, the plant can use the assimilates to generate greater latex production. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that latex production is positively associated with plant height and negatively associated with fruit production and other variables that maximize it. During the fruiting process the plant uses most of the assimilates for fruit development and a lower percentage to produce secondary compounds, resulting in less availability of these metabolites for latex production. In general, the latex production obtained from this species is low and limits commercial exploitation of this compound, despite its possible pharmacological potential.

Cytotoxicity of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbiaceae)Latex by Agar-Overlay

Jatropha curcas L. latex has been used as traditional medicine to cure various infections among others are to cure toothache, apthae, as a mouth rinse to treat bleeding gums, as a hemostatic, and a wound dressing. To be used as herbal medicine, scientific investigation including toxicological studies must be conducted. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of J. curcas latex by agar overlay technique as part of toxicological study. Fibroblasts L929 were cultured in Petri dishes to confluence, and a layer of agar was then added. After staining the cells with neutral red, diluted latex (0.4-15% w/v) imbibed in filter paper were applied to the agarsurface and incubated for 24 hours. Evaluation was based on the zone of decoloration and lysis indices. Result showed that there was zone of decoloration from 2-5 mm in diameter that was all in the index 2 (less than 5 mm) from 5 index decoloration classification. Lyses cells were not observed in the decoloration zone, which could be interpreted as a coagulative necrosis. It may be concluded thatJ. curcaslatex has a moderate cytotoxic activity and necrotic coagulation in an agar-overlay technique usingfibroblast L929.

Laboratory Assessment of Some Plants Latex as Biopesticide Against Cowpea Bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae

Laboratory evaluation of Calotropis procera, Alstonia boonei, Jatropha curcas and Argemone mexicana latex as biopesticide against cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae] were evaluated at ambient temperature and relative humidity of 28±2 o C and 75±5% respectively. The plants latex was tested at rates of 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 1.5 ml and 2 ml / 20 g of cowpea seeds. Adult mortality and adult emergence of the insects were investigated. Results showed that at rates of 1 ml, 1.5 ml and 2 ml/ 20 g of cowpea seeds, A. boonei latex evoked 100% mortality of adult cowpea bruchid after 4 days of post treatment. This is followed by C. procera and J. curcas which caused 100% mortality of cowpea bruchid at rates of 1.5 ml and 2 ml / 20 g of cowpea seeds while the least effective plant Argemone mexicana latex. There was no adult emergence in seeds treated with A. boonei latex at tested concentrations and C. procera and J. curcas at rates of 1.5 ml and 2 ml / 20 g of cowpea seeds compared with untreated that had 87.75% adults emergence. The results obtained from this study revealed that Alstonia boonei, Calotropis procera and J. curcas latex were effective in controlling of C. maculatus and could serve as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for the protection of stored cowpeas against bruchids.

Antibacterial profile of Jatropha curcas latex extracts against selected human pathogenic bacteria

Jatropha curcas is a drought-resistant tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. The latex of J. curcas has been traditionally used to heal wounds and has reported anti-coagulant and coagulant properties. In this study, fractions of the methanol, aqueous, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts from the Jatropha latex were tested for antibacterial properties against nine different human pathogenic bacteria, namely three different isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (one methicillin-resistant strain MRSA ATCC 33591, and two methicillin-sensitive strains MSSA ATCC 29213 and ATCC 25174), Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, Streptococcus agalactiae, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis (E248), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Listeria monocytogenes (IMR L10), and Morganella morgenii (IMR MM99). The zones of inhibition produced by the extracts using an agar well diffusion method against the test microorganisms were found to range from 2.7 to 29 mm. The methanol extract was found to be the most effective extract with MIC values ranging from 0.39 mg/ml for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and 6.25 mg/ml for S. marcescens. Hexane extracts did not show any antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening of the J. curcas latex indicated the presence of saponins and tannins which are known to have antibacterial properties. Key words: Jatropha curcas latex, antibacterial properties and human pathogenic bacteria.

The effects of Jatropha curcas latex on activation and phagocytotic binding of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in RAW 264.7 macrophages

The latex derived from the subtropical and tropical plant Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly used throughout the world for the treatment of dermal abrasions. There is meager data as to the cellular mechanism of action responsible for the observed latex wound healing properties. In this study, we examined the effects of latex on activation of macrophages and the subsequent binding / recognition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to ascertain potentiating effects for macrophages to bind invasive pathogens. In this study, non‐viable yeasts destroyed by heat and peroxide (3.5x107/ml) were incubated with varying doses of latex in the presence of macrophages. The data indicate that macrophages incubated with latex (1.2 and 1.5mg/ml) for 15 minutes resulted in greater surface binding of yeast (186% and 191%) relative to untreated controls. The data also show that macrophages were not activated by the presence of latex, as assessed by quantification of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide after 24 H incubation. In summary, the preliminary findings suggest that the effects of latex may involve greater trafficking of potential pathogens to immune cells, rather than stimulating the expression of pro‐inflammatory proteins. (Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Centers for Research Resources (NCRR: RR 03020)

Jatropha curcas latex inhibits the release of collagenase by gingival fibroblast

Folkloric use of J. curcas latex among others are to cure tooth pain, bleeding gum and as anti-inflammatory drug. Collagenase is a neutral protease released by activated macrophage and also by fibroblasts in small amounts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of J. curcas latex on collagenase released by fibroblasts. Four doses of J. curcas latex from 37.5-300 g/ml were added to 3 human gingival primary fibroblast cell culture. After 1 to 4 days of incubation, collagenase in the supernatant was assayed with collagen. The degradation products were then separated by SDS-PAGE and the density of ¾ αA bands were measured semi quantitatively by Adobe Photo computer program. Result showed that J. curcas latex decreased collagenase released by human gingival fibroblast, and increasing dose inhibits more. It may be concluded that the latex of J. curcas inhibits the release of collagenase by human gingival fibroblast. (Med J Indones 2007; 16:219-23)

Coagulant and anticoagulant activities in Jatropha curcas latex

Jatropha curcas Linn. (Euphorbiaceae), a medicinal plant commonly grown in the Tropics, is traditionally used as a haemostatic. Investigation of the coagulant activity of the latex of Jatropha curcas showed that whole latex significantly ( P<0.01) reduced the clotting time of human blood. Diluted latex, however, prolonged the clotting time: at high dilutions, the blood did not clot at all. This indicates that Jatropha curcas latex possesses both procoagulant and anticoagulant activities. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests on plasma confirm these observations. Solvent partitioning of the latex with ethyl acetate and butanol led to a partial separation of the two opposing activities: at low concentrations, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a procoagulant activity, while the butanol fraction had the highest anticoagulant activity. The residual aqueous fraction had no significant effect on the clotting time of blood and the PT but slightly prolonged the APTT.

Curcacycline B, a cyclic nonapeptide from Jatropha curcas enhancing rotamase activity of cyclophilin

The structure of curcacycline B (1), a cyclic nonapeptide isolated from Jatropha curcas latex was elucidated by combination of chemical degradation, LSIMS data and 2D NMR experiments. Curcacycline B was shown to enhance the rotamase activity of human cyclophilin B.