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

The latex of Jatropha curcas Linn (Euphorbiaceae) has been investigated as a prospective haemostatic agent. The latex reduced clotting and bleeding times significantly (P 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