Scientific name: Croton tiglium
Botanical name: Euphorbiaceae
Jayapal is a medium sized tree which grows upto 20 feet in height.
Leaves of Jayapal are alternate,glabrous(shining),pinkish violet when it is young.
Inflorescence of Jayapal – Terminal raceme.
Flower of Jayapal is Unisexual, monoecious(single sex character in one plant).
Fruit of Jayapal is capsule,ovoid in shape.
Seed of Jayapal are small with hard brownish yellow shell.
Chemical constituents:
Jamalgota kernels comprise 50-60% croton oil and seed oil encompass about 17 fatty acids. The main fatty acid present in the seeds includes linoleic acid, oleic acid, and eicosenoic acid. While jamalgota kernels are a good source of stable oils such as tigalicacid,penitic acid, crotonic acid, and crotonol.
Properties:
Rasa – Katu
Guna – Guru, Ruksha, Tikshna
Virya – Ushna
Vipaka – Katu
Prabhava – Strong laxative
Dosha karma – Pacifies Kapha
Effects on Organs – Intestines or Bowel
Benefits:
1.Constipation
The purified croton kernels are used largely in ayurvedic medicine for constipation. The appropriate mixture that is recommended in ayurvedic manuscripts to lessen the side effects of jamalgota is 8 parts (20 grams) blended with 1 part (2.5 grams of tankan bhasma to relives the symptoms of constipation, regularise bowel movement and improve the appetite. Though purified kernels may be beneficial to treat constipation, it is unsafe to use them frequently, as regular use may cause intestinal discomfort and reduce natural peristalsis.
2.Haemorrhoids
The topical application of jamalgota root paste is beneficial to heal external and non-bleeding haemorrhoids. The extract is made by blending the fine powder of croton roots and buttermilk. This works by shrinking and drying out the inflamed haemorrhoid tissue. Furthermore, being a natural pain killer, jamalgota offers relief from piles pain. And this is effective only for healing non-bleeding piles.
3.Jaundice
The external bark of jamalgota roost is blended with jaggery and taken orally as advised by ayurvedic practitioners for increasing bile secretion from the gall bladder and liver. This helps in treating jaundice and reduces white stools.
4.Skin Infections
Jamalgota extracts are attributed to have potent anti-microbial actions that are effective in suppressing the growth of pathogens like fungi, and bacteria that cause skin infections. It was used in folklore medicines for treating scabies and carbuncles. Always check with your ayurvedic practitioner before using jamalgota for skin problems, as overuse of this extract can cause severe skin irritation.
Is Jayapal safe:
Unpurified jamalgota seed is likely unsafe and can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the alimentary canal. Also, it can result in following side effects:
1.Diarrhoea
2.Severe cramps
3.Abdominal tenderness
4.Burning sensation in the abdomen
5.Ulcers
6.Vomiting
7.Dizziness
While the external application can lead to following adverse reactions
1.Blistering
2.Itching
3.Burning sensation.
Contradictions:
Jamalgota plant is highly unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. As all of its formulations can result in miscarriage and birth defects in children.
it can cause severe diarrhoea in breastfeeding babies, if lactating mothers take it for treating constipation.
