The Latex Of Jatropha Curcas Linn (Euphorblaceae): A Prospective Haemostatic Agent

Abstract

The latex of Jatropha curcas Linn (Euphorbiaceae) has been investigated as a prospective haemostatic agent.



The latex reduced clotting and bleeding times significantly (P<0.0001) compared to Tincture of Benzoin Co (TBC); Iodine tincture, Tannin and 90%v/v Ethanol. There was a significant positive correlation between the clotting times of normal volunteers of blood groups A, AB, B and O with various concentrations of the latex of J. curcas (r=0.9684, P<0.0001). Increased concentrations of the Latex decreased the clotting and bleeding times to a critical point of maximum clotting/bleeding activity. The concentration of latex that gave maximum clotting activity was 4.7%w/v and 100% v/v while 2%w/v and 25%v/v latex were minimum effective concentrations of the latex. The latex also showed anticoagulant antagonist activities, reversing the effects of EDTA, Sodium citrate, and Heparin in normal blood samples (P<0.0001). All anticoagulants used in the study enhanced the clotting activity of the latex by an average factor of six.



Vasoconstrictor effect (Styptic action) of the latex was evident as 0.2ml fresh latex containing equivalent of 0.0022mM Ca2+ stimulated similar response (7.80cm) to 2.5mM CaCI2 on an isolated guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle.



Probable mechanism of haemostatic activity of the latex are protein precipitation, vasoconstriction (Styptic action), and temporary haemostatic plug formation via platelet adhesion.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 9, No. 2 (June 1999) pp. 158-166