European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN OVERVIEW OF JATROPHA MULTIFIDA L. – PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Shubham Shukla* and Dr. Sangeeta Singh

ABSTRACT

Jatropha multifida L., commonly referred to as the coral plant, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Traditionally, different parts of J. multifida, including its leaves, latex, stems, and roots, have been used for the treatment of a variety of ailments, such as skin infections, gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammation, and even as an antidote to snake venom in some cultures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current scientific knowledge surrounding J. multifida, with a focus on its phytochemical composition, biological activities, and emerging potential as a therapeutic agent. The plant is rich in diverse classes of phytochemicals, including diterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and cyclic peptides. These compounds have been isolated and characterized using modern chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, revealing a complex matrix of constituents responsible for a wide range of biological activities. Pharmacologically, J. multifida demonstrates significant antioxidant properties, primarily due to its high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. These properties suggest potential utility in managing oxidative stress-related disorders such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, and aging-related cellular dysfunction. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant has also been validated through inhibition of protein denaturation and suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, indicating its usefulness in treating conditions like arthritis and inflammatory skin disorders. Furthermore, the plant has shown promising antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial and fungal pathogens, including E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. Notably, its antiviral properties have been underscored by recent studies showing the inhibitory effects of J. multifida leaf extracts on the dengue virus. Such findings highlight its potential role in the development of novel antiviral therapies. This review underscores the importance of integrating ethnobotanical knowledge with modern scientific investigation to fully realize the clinical applications of this underutilized medicinal plant. Further in vivo studies, clinical trials, and standardization efforts are essential to validate its efficacy and safety in therapeutic contexts.

Keywords: Jatropha, Jatropha multifida, Pharmacology, Phytochemical, Flavonoids, Anti-cancer.