Comprehensive Ethnomedicinal and Phytopharmacological Review of Jatropha tanjorensis

Abstract

Background: Jatropha tanjorensis is a medicinal shrub widely used in Nigerian traditional medicine. It contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, saponins, and alkaloids, which are responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. However, scientific data validating its pharmacological use remains limited. Aim: This review was thus written with the intent to provide a comprehensive view of the medicinal and nutritional properties of this plant and the progress that has been made in identifying phytochemicals and bioactive compounds present in this plant. Methods: Information used in the writing of this article was sourced from online databases and search engines such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Google. Only articles written in English language were considered. Keywords related to Jatropha tanjorensis and its medicinal properties were used. Relevant articles were selected and analyzed based on predefined inclusion criteria. Results: Studies on this plant have demonstrated therapeutic potential across several disease models, although most findings are preclinical. Safety studies show low acute toxicity, but data on chronic use, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action are lacking, which casts doubt on the actual safety of this plant in clinical studies. No comparative studies with conventional drugs were identified. Conclusion: Jatropha tanjorensis holds promise as a source of plant-based therapeutics. More robust pharmacological studies, including mechanistic and long-term safety evaluations, are needed to support its integration into modern medicine.