Jayapala

(Croton Oil Seed)
Sanskrit: जयपालः • Botanical: Croton tiglium Linn.

Jayapala (Croton tiglium) is a well-known drastic purgative. Its seeds yield Croton oil, which is extremely potent. The text describes it as causing strong purgation and warns of its sharp (Tikshna) nature. It is used in conditions of severe constipation, abdominal distension, and dropsy. The oil is extremely irritant externally and causes blistering on skin. Internally in 1-2 drop doses it causes violent purging. The text describes various processing methods (Shodhana) to reduce toxicity before use. Various alkaloids and fatty acids are described as chemical constituents. Verse refs: page 401.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Sharp (Tikshna), Hot (Ushna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tigloidine acid (Tiglinic acid), Crotonic or quartenylic acid, Croton oil, Crotonolic acid (Crotomolic acid), Tiglic acid
Also Known As
English: Croton Oil Seed, Purging Croton
Sanskrit: जयपाल, द्रावन्ती
Hindi: जमालगोटा, जयपाल

What is Jayapala (Croton Seed / जयपाल)?

Jayapala (Croton tiglium) is a well-known drastic purgative. Its seeds yield Croton oil, which is extremely potent. The text describes it as causing strong purgation and warns of its sharp (Tikshna) nature. It is used in conditions of severe constipation, abdominal distension, and dropsy. The oil is extremely irritant externally and causes blistering on skin. Internally in 1-2 drop doses it causes violent purging. The text describes various processing methods (Shodhana) to reduce toxicity before use. Various alkaloids and fatty acids are described as chemical constituents. Verse refs: page 401.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Virechana (strong purgative)
  • Bhedana (drastic purgative)
  • Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
  • Shothahara (reduces swelling)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Jayapala by Condition

Explore how Jayapala is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Jayapala for Inflammation

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.