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Munich (netdoktor.de) – from the leaves of the toxic Jatropha Curcas (Jatropha curcas) a strong analgesic extract can be win, Nigerian researchers report. The Tropical Subtropical shrub is used in traditional medicine has long as painkillers. Volksmedizinischen applications have often brought researchers trace substances. So, for example, even aspirin, and morphine have their origin in plants. Because many of the well-known painkillers such as morphine and other opiates have serious side effects and subject to, constantly looks for new active substances. The extract from the Jatropha Curcas seems here to be a hopeful candidate Yusuf Omeh and Ezeja Maxwell of the University of agriculture in Umudike (Nigeria) in the journal “International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology” (DOI:10.1504/IJBET.2011.041124) write.

Use of methanol as a solvent, the researchers won an extract from the leaves of Jatropha curcas in which they suspected the analgesic ingredients. To test this suspicion, the scientists tested the extract in mice – in different doses and with aspirin (SSA) as a comparison.

Similarly effective as ASS

At the lowest dose, namely 100 milligrams per kilogram body weight (mg/kg), the Jatropha Curcas extract showed no effect. However, higher doses (200 mg / kg and 400 mg / kg) were pain similar like ASS. Yusuf and Maxwell have suggested that the extract exerts its analgesic effects on the peripheral nerves (such as ASS), as well as directly in the central nervous system (such as morphine). They want to examine this mechanism now more precisely. In addition, the researchers want to find out which ingredients of for the analgesic effect of the extract are responsible.

The Jatropha Curcas is one of the so-called Codiaeum (Euphorbiaceae). They originated in Central America, is widely used but also in other tropical subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. In traditional medicine, it is estimated not only as a pain reliever. The fruits of the Jatropha Curcas come together with the bark of a further plant in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus) used. In addition, biodiesel is made from the oil of the seeds. (mf)