Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Jatropha Dioica

Jatropha dioica, a small bush native to Mexico and Texas, is traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including hair loss prevention, treatment of varicose veins, and wound healing. Phytochemical studies have identified compounds such as β-sitosterol, jatrophone, citlalitrione, and riolozatrione, which exhibit activities like chemoprotective, anti-proliferative, antitumor, and antibiotic effects. Biological activities of J. dioica include antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, chemopreventive, anti-hyperglycemic, and low cytotoxic effects. The plant's extracts have shown efficacy against various pathogens and in reducing hyperglycemic peaks, with no significant genotoxic or cytotoxic effects reported in vivo.