Question 1

What is Jatropha podagrica used for medicinally?

Accepted Answer

In traditional ayurvedic medicine, Jatropha podagrica has been used in preparations targeting inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and as a controlled purgative. Its roots and stem contain bioactive compounds with documented anti-inflammatory properties. Because the plant is toxic, any therapeutic use must be guided by a qualified ayurvedic practitioner using properly prepared formulations.

Question 2

Is Jatropha podagrica poisonous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all parts of Jatropha podagrica — including the sap, seeds, and leaves — contain toxic compounds such as curcin and jatrophin. Handling the plant, particularly its milky latex, should be done with care. In the ayurvedic tradition, specific preparation methods are used to reduce toxicity before any therapeutic application.

Question 3

Why is Jatropha podagrica called the gout plant?

Accepted Answer

The common name "gout plant" refers to the plant's conspicuously swollen, knobbly stem base, which resembles a joint inflamed by gout. It is also sometimes called the Buddha belly plant for the same reason. The unusual trunk shape is an adaptation that allows the plant to store water during dry periods.

Question 4

Where is Jatropha podagrica native to?

Accepted Answer

Jatropha podagrica originates from Central America, particularly Guatemala and Honduras. It has been widely introduced across tropical Asia, Africa, and other warm regions as an ornamental and medicinal plant, and is now naturalised in many countries, including Sri Lanka.

Question 5

Does Jatropha podagrica grow well in Sri Lanka's climate?

Accepted Answer

The plant adapts readily to Sri Lanka's lowland tropical climate. It prefers full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soils, making it suitable for gardens and cultivation across the low country wet and dry zones. It is tolerant of seasonal drought once established.

Question 6

What family does Jatropha podagrica belong to?

Accepted Answer

Jatropha podagrica belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, a large and diverse plant family that includes many species producing toxic latex. Other well-known family members include the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), both of which also have significant economic and medicinal histories.

Question 7

How is Jatropha podagrica different from Jatropha curcas?

Accepted Answer

While both are members of the Jatropha genus and share toxic properties, they differ significantly in appearance. Jatropha podagrica has a distinctive swollen, bottle-shaped trunk and is generally a compact ornamental shrub. Jatropha curcas is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree without that feature, and is more widely cultivated for its oil-rich seeds and potential as a biofuel crop.

Question 8

Can I see ayurvedic medicinal plants on a tour of Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sri Lanka has several botanical gardens, ayurvedic centres, and herbal garden tours where visitors can learn about the island's medicinal plant heritage. Some eco-tourism experiences near forest reserves and village communities also include guided walks covering traditional plant knowledge. These visits offer a direct, contextual way to understand plants like Jatropha podagrica within living cultural practice.