Description

Red Jatropha Leaves (Botuje Pupa)

Common name: Red Jatropha, Bellyache Bush, Black Physic Nut, Cotton-leaf Physic Nut, Red Physic Nut, Botuje Pupa (Yoruba)

Botanical name: Jatropha gossypiifolia L.

Plant part: Leaf

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin: Tropical America, now widely distributed across tropical regions of Africa, including West Africa and Nigeria.

Product Overview

Red Jatropha Leaves are obtained from Jatropha gossypiifolia, a tropical shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant is commonly recognised by its distinctive reddish-purple young leaves, which may become darker green or purplish as they mature.

The leaves are generally broad, palmately shaped and deeply divided into three to five lobes, with slightly toothed margins. They may have a glossy appearance and are often accompanied by reddish stems and small clusters of red or purple flowers.

Known locally in Yoruba as Botuje Pupa, Red Jatropha has a history of use in traditional African and other tropical herbal practices. Its leaves contain naturally occurring phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and other plant constituents.

The plant has attracted scientific interest for its phytochemical composition and potential biological activities. West African Health Organisation +2

Nutritional Value:

Red Jatropha Leaves are primarily studied for their phytochemical composition rather than as a conventional nutritional food source. They contain naturally occurring flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins and other secondary plant metabolites.

Composition:

Contains naturally occurring flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins and other phytochemicals. Reported constituents include quercetin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol.

Benefits:

* Contains naturally occurring flavonoids and other plant phytochemicals.
* Provides phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity demonstrated in laboratory studies.
* Has been investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
* Contains botanical constituents studied for antimicrobial activity.
* Has attracted scientific research interest for its traditional ethnobotanical applications.
* Traditionally incorporated into various African herbal preparations.

Uses:

* Studied for its botanical and phytochemical properties.
* Used in traditional African herbal practices.
* Incorporated into traditional external herbal preparations.
* Processed for laboratory research and phytochemical investigations.
* Used in botanical research involving plant extracts and naturally occurring compounds.

Precautions:

* Do not recommend the leaves for self-medication or routine oral consumption.
* Different plant parts contain potentially harmful constituents, and the safety of leaf preparations is not established.
* Contact with the plant sap may cause skin irritation or eye inflammation.
* Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid medicinal use.
* Keep the plant material away from children and pets.
* Ensure proper botanical identification and appropriate handling.
* Any medicinal or extract application requires qualified safety assessment.

Important Note: Red Jatropha is positioned as a botanical research or traditional-use raw material, not as a general-purpose herbal tea or dietary supplement. Its toxicity profile makes this distinction particularly important.

Reference: West African Herbal Pharmacopoeia – Jatropha gossypiifolia⁠.

Packaging:

Our herbs are packaged in ziplock bags to avoid spillage.

Storage:

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, sunlight, and heat
• Store in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and loss of potency

Shelf Life:

• Up to 2 years when stored properly in sealed packaging
• Best potency when consumed within 12–18 months

Note:

No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Product is a natural botanical ingredient; color may vary depending on harvest lot and year.

Disclaimer:

This product is a natural food supplement and not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have allergies or medical conditions

By purchasing, you acknowledge responsibility for safe and appropriate use.