9 Croton Plant Health Benefits Backed By Science
Croton plants are loved by many for their beautiful and unique foliage, but did you know there are numerous health benefits associated with them as well?
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 croton plant health benefits and potential side effects so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this plant is right for you.
From skin health to stress relief, croton plants have amazing healing properties that have been known to help people all over the world. We’ll also provide tips on how to safely enjoy the benefits of these plants without running into any potential issues.
So if you’re looking for a new way to improve your health and wellbeing, read on to learn more about the incredible healing power of croton plants!
Overview of Croton Plant
The Croton plant, scientifically known as Codiaeum variegatum, is a vibrant and colorful tropical shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family.
Other names for the Croton plant include Joseph’s Coat, Garden Croton, and Variegated Laurel. The name “Joseph’s Coat” is a reference to the biblical story of Joseph, who wore a colorful coat, much like the plant’s vibrant foliage.
Originating from Southeast Asia and the western Pacific Islands, the Croton plant has been cultivated and admired for centuries due to its stunning foliage.
It has become increasingly popular in recent years for its various health benefits.
It typically grows up to four meters tall and produces small yellow flowers with bright orange-red fruits. The leaves are leathery, glossy green on top and grayish-white underneath.
In traditional medicine, croton has been used as a purgative to treat constipation and other digestive issues.
In some regions, the leaves and roots were crushed and applied externally to treat skin conditions like rashes, wounds, and insect bites.
The main benefits of using croton plants are related to their antioxidant properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants like smoke or ozone.
Additionally, extracts from the plant have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling associated with arthritis pain as well as aid in wound healing.
Other potential benefits include promoting blood circulation, stimulating appetite, treating skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, and even helping with weight loss.
Due to its eye-catching appearance, the Croton plant is often used for landscaping, in horticulture, and as an accent plant in interior design.
With proper care, it can thrive in tropical and subtropical climates or as an indoor plant in regions with colder climates. Its low maintenance requirements and stunning beauty continue to make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts and horticulturists alike.
Nutritional Content of Croton Plant
The croton plant is a nutritional powerhouse, packed to the brim with vitamins and minerals that are nothing short of miraculous!
Here’s a table summarizing the nutritional profile of the Croton plant, based on the current data (These values represent the nutritional composition of both the leaf and seed of the Croton plant).
| Nutritional Parameters | Leaf (g/100 g) | Seed (g/100 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | 7.88 | 7.94 |
| Ash | 9.28 | 4.15 |
| Crude protein | 13.13 | 9.64 |
| Crude fibre | 16.63 | 15.45 |
| Crude fat | 15.42 | 26.73 |
| Carbohydrate | 55.35 | 67.09 |
| Potassium (g/100 g) | 1.682 | 2.224 |
| Calcium (g/100 g) | 3.043 | 1.999 |
| Titanium (g/100 g) | 0.026 | 0.036 |
| Iron (mg/100 g) | 275.030 | 467.530 |
| Manganese (mg/100 g) | 71.210 | 71.610 |
| Strontium (mg/100 g) | 707.800 | 869.270 |
Croton Plant Health Benefits
In an article published in the Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, it was revealed that Croton, a diverse genus of Euphorbiaceae with approximately 1,300 species in tropical regions, has a rich history of traditional medicinal use in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Various species of Croton are employed for treating a wide array of health issues, including cancer, diabetes, fever, inflammation, and intestinal problems.
The plants often contain compounds like alkaloids and diterpenes, with pharmacological assays supporting their traditional uses.
Notably, the clerodane trans-dehydrocrotonin displayed diverse effects, such as anti-cancer and hypoglycemic properties, while alkaloids and diterpenes exhibited cytotoxic effects.
Other medicinal effects, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, have also been recorded.
1. Croton Plant for Hair Growth
In Chad, the Basara tribe’s women have maintained their long, healthy hair using chebe powder, an ancient hair-care secret made from natural ingredients like shébé seeds (from the Croton zambesicus plant), mahllaba soubiane seeds, missic stone, cloves, and samour resin.
Chebe is gaining popularity among those with Afro-textured hair, as it is believed to reduce breakage and shedding, promoting hair health and growth.
Natural hair-care brands are now incorporating chebe powder into their formulations to help with length retention.
Although messy and staining, chebe’s potential benefits have sparked interest and curiosity in the West as a miracle growth treatment.
2. Croton Plant for Digestive Health
The Croton plant has a long history of traditional use for promoting digestive health. Its seeds are believed to possess properties that can effectively empty and cleanse the stomach and intestines.
People have used Croton seeds to address various digestive issues, including gallbladder problems, colic, and blocked intestines. [1]
With its potential to support healthy digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort, the Croton plant remains a notable herbal remedy in several cultures for maintaining optimal digestive function and overall well-being.
3. Croton Plant for Cardiovascular Health
Croton plants may be a promising ailment for cardiovascular diseases.
A study investigated the effects of Croton membranaceus (CM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. In experiments with rats and mice, CM extract showed a positive impact on lipid profile, reducing triglycerides, increasing HDL cholesterol, and decreasing LDL cholesterol.
It also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing CRP levels. Additionally, CM extract and metformin lowered blood glucose levels significantly.
These findings suggest that CM could be a potential natural remedy for managing CVD risk factors like high cholesterol and inflammation.
In another study, researchers evaluated the antioxidant and cardioprotective properties of Croton macrostachyus, a plant used in traditional medicine to manage heart diseases in Ethiopia.
They tested stem bark extract and solvent fractions in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity. The plant extract and ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated free radical scavenging activity and significantly lowered cardiac biomarkers like troponin and liver enzymes.
This suggests that Croton macrostachyus could be a potential treatment for cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity and may have cardioprotective benefits.
Finally, a research published in the journal Pharmacology Research, studied the effects of Croton membranaceus (CM) extract on rats for 90 days.
They gave the rats different doses of the CM extract and checked various health markers. The results showed that CM extract is safe and does not cause harm to the rats.
Additionally, it was found that the extract has potential benefits for the heart by reducing triglyceride levels and cardiac enzymes, suggesting it might be useful in preventing heart-related problems.
Overall, the study suggests that CM extract could have positive effects on heart health without causing any toxic side effects.
4. Croton Plant for Respiratory Health
As a natural anti-inflammatory, croton oil can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the airways. It has been used for centuries to treat asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
In a study, researchers investigated the potential benefits of using Croton zehntneri essential oil (EOCZ) in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model in mice. They found that EOCZ had a positive effect on respiratory mechanics, reducing lung injury caused by asthma.
The essential oil’s antioxidant properties appeared to be the primary mechanism responsible for this improvement. The study suggests that EOCZ could be a candidate for asthma treatment, but further research is needed for confirmation.
Another study investigated Croton zehntneri essential oil (EOCz) and its major components, anethole and estragole, for their antispasmodic effects on tracheal muscle.
In Wistar rats’ tracheal rings, EOCz, anethole, and estragole effectively inhibited contractions induced by different stimuli. The compounds appeared to block Voltage Dependent Calcium Channels (VDCC) as part of their mechanism of action.
Anethole directly inhibited Ca2+ current through VDCC. These findings suggest that EOCz and its constituents possess antispasmodic activity and have potential as therapeutic agents for respiratory conditions.
Studies have also shown that regular consumption of croton oil can help reduce symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, including runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
5. Croton Plant for Immune System
In-vitro studies were conducted to test the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Croton roxburghii leaves and bark extracts.
The acetone extract showed the highest antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria, while the aqueous extract had the least activity.
The extracts showed antioxidant properties with varying levels of activity. Total phenol and ascorbic acid contents were measured, indicating the presence of antioxidant compounds in the extracts. The leaves extract had higher total phenol content than the bark extract.
The researchers also evaluated the extracts’ ability to scavenge free radicals and chelate iron. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. The extracts showed the ability to scavenge free radicals, with the leaves extract showing a higher percentage of scavenging activity at higher concentrations. However, the bark extract had a lower iron chelating capacity compared to the leaves.
Overall, this research suggests that Croton roxburghii leaves and bark extracts have potential antibacterial and antioxidant activities. These findings may have implications for the development of new natural medicines or health-promoting products.
6. Croton Plant for Skin
Although not many research available on the effects of Croton Plants and skin, a patent of a cosmetic composition containing croton lechleri resin extract can be found on Google Patents website.
The patent seems to be submitted by a Korean cosmetics company and it claims that a cosmetic composition containing a Croton Lechleri resin extract can improve skin moisturization, elasticity, anti-aging, skin whitening, and offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The composition contains 0.0001-20 wt% of the Croton Lechleri resin extract, which includes active ingredients like proanthocyanidin and taspine. The extract is prepared by leaching the resin in water or an organic solvent, purifying, and extracting.
The study refers to different examples and time points for evaluating the effects of the cosmetic composition on the skin.
7. Croton Plants May Treat Diabetes
Croton plants have been studied for their potential effects on various diseases. Mexican researchers aimed to review their impact on diabetes and how they work.
The study identified 17 Croton species that showed beneficial effects against diabetes, such as lowering blood sugar levels, reducing lipid levels, and having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These effects were achieved through mechanisms like inhibiting certain enzymes, increasing insulin secretion, and enhancing glucose uptake. Some species even demonstrated antihyperglycemic properties despite lacking traditional use for diabetes treatment.
The review suggests that further research on these plants could lead to the development of new medicines for diabetes treatment.
8. Croton Plants Help with Neurological Diseases
Neuroinflammation is involved in various neurological diseases and affectd the brain and cognitive function. Croton plants show promising results in fighting Neurological Diseases.
In a study, researchers investigated the effects of an extract from the Croton tiglium plant (CTE) on brain cells involved in inflammation and neurodegeneration.
They found that CTE reduced the harmful inflammation caused by microglia, a type of brain cell, while increasing their protective abilities.
CTE also promoted the production of a neurotrophic factor that helps support healthy neurons. Furthermore, the culture medium from CTE-treated cells improved the survival of neurons, indicating a neuroprotective effect.
Although CTE is a poisonous plant, when used in controlled amounts, it showed potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders involving inflammation.
9. Croton Plant For Fighting Cancer
Croton plants have been found to inhibit cancer cell growth.
A research article published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, studied three Croton plant species to determine their potential health benefits.
They tested different extracts from these plants for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties.
The results showed that the extracts from C. gratissimus were less harmful to healthy cells and more selective against cancer cells, making them promising for cancer treatment.
These extracts also exhibited good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The study suggests that the active compounds in C. gratissimus could be used as an alternative treatment for cancer and other diseases related to oxidative stress.
However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and potential as therapeutic agents.
Potential Side Effects of Croton Plant
Though Croton plant extract may offer a range of anti-aging benefits, it’s important to be aware of any potential downsides. Like a double-edged sword, its effects can cut both ways.
1. Might Make Your Head Swell
In an article published back in 1840, a case was reported of a young woman who inadvertently applied Croton oil (Oleum Tiglii) to her hair, mistaking it for hair oil due to its small bottle size.
The Croton oil caused significant swelling and puffiness of her head and eyelids, leading to great discomfort.
Although Croton oil is known for its potency as an irritant, this case highlighted the extraordinary and rapid absorbing power of human hair.
With cold applications and purgatives, her symptoms subsided, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with the use of potent substances like Croton oil.
2. Might harm liver and DNA
In a study, four croton plant species were tested for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. All species showed a reduction in nitric oxide production without causing significant harm to cells.
C. gratissimus had the best results, but it also showed a potential risk for steatosis (fatty liver) and genotoxicity (damage to DNA).
Overall, the study concluded that while these plants have anti-inflammatory components, their potential harmful effects on the liver and DNA may limit their use in drug development.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Croton Plant Benefits
To safely reap the rewards of Croton plant, it’s important to be mindful of potential risks and take precautions.
When taking any herbal supplement for health benefits, it’s important to consult your doctor first, as the supplement may interact negatively with certain medications or existing conditions. This is especially true when using a new herb like Croton plant, which has not yet been studied extensively by western medicine.
It is also important to research all possible interactions between Croton plant and other herbs you may be taking at the same time before combining them in a single dosage.
When consuming Croton plant, you should always start with small doses and see how your body reacts before increasing your dosage over time. You should also pay attention to possible side effects that could occur from taking too high a dose of this herb.
With some extra caution and mindfulness on your part, you can enjoy all the benefits of Croton Plant without fear!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
You’ve seen the top 9 benefits of croton plant. From skin health to anti-aging, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition and stress relief. Just like an oasis in a desert, you can be sure that this plant has something for everyone.
Enjoying these benefits safely is key – always follow all instructions when using any medications or supplements with croton plant. With its diverse range of uses and potential side effects, you can be assured that your journey towards better health is well-paved with this miracle plant.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
You’ll find 800+ beneficial plants and remedies in “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies“.
It includes recipes of tinctures, teas, decoctions, essential oils, syrups, salves, poultices, infusions and many other natural remedies that our grandparents used for centuries.
What’s also special about this book is that it has between 2 and 4 high definition, color pictures for each plant and detailed identification guidelines to make sure you’ve got the right plant.
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