Vera Cruz Jalap

This large genus consists of 450-500 species of annuals, perennials, small trees and shrubs, many of which are climbers. Several different species, including I turpeth (turpeth), now known as Operculina turpenthum, and the closely related Convolvulus arvensis, contain gluco-resins that have a strong purgative effect. Ipomoea arvensis has been used for fevers and to control bleeding. Ipomoea digitata (Spanish woodbine, vidari-kanda, khoai xiêm) is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a diuretic, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative tonic. In Vietnam and China, the seeds of I. hederacea (syn. Pharbitis hederacea), a widely grown ornamental annual climber, are used for their diuretic and purgative properties, and for their stimulating effect on the uterus. They contain pharbitin, a substance similar to the gluco-resins that occur in the tubers of perennial species.

This twelve-foot, climbing evergreen vine, native to Mexico is dubbed Ipomoea purgea. Ipomoea means "wormlike", referring to its twisted, wormlike roots, and purga means "cleanse", the major reason jalap was used. A powerful intestinal irritant and cathartic, jalap was used for centuries by the Mexicans and introduced into Europe in 1565. The roots, bark, and seeds contain cardiac glycosides that have anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties and may help relieve pain.

Evergreen climber with a turnip-like tuber, purple-red, twining stems, and pointed, ovate to heart-shaped leaves. Purple-pink, funnel-shaped flowers, 12cm (5in) across, appear in autumn.


Common Name:
Vera Cruz Jalap
Other Names:
Ipomoea, Jalap, Jalap Bindweed, Mexican Jalap.
Botanical Name:
Ipomoea purga syn. I. jalapa, Convolvulus jalapa
Genus:
Ipomoea
Family:
Convolvulaceae
Native Location:
E Slopes of the Mexican Andes
Cultivation:
Well-drained, rich soil in sun. Cut back or thin out in spring. Whitefly, aphids, and spider mites may damage plants under cover.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 18°C (64°F); by softwood cuttings in spring or summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Soak seeds overnight in warm water, or nick seed coat to speed germination.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in powders, resin extraction, and tinctures.
Height:
3m (10ft)
Hardiness:
Z9-11
Parts Used:
Tuber, resin, root
Properties:
A resinous, acrid, purgative herb with an unpleasant taste.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for constipation, colic, and intestinal parasites. Added to laxative and carminative preparations to prevent griping.
Jalap resin (taken from the root) is used for constipation. Jalap root was formerly used as a laxative and a purgative but is now considered obsolete.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of jalap resin is 60 to 300 mg.
Possible Side Effects:
Jalap's side effects include nausea, gastroenteritis, and cramplike pains. Jalap contains cardiac glycosides, which can help control irregular heartbeat, reduce the backup of blood and fluid in the body, and increase blood flow through the kidneys, helping to excrete sodium and relieve swelling in the body tissues. However, a buildup of cardiac glycosides can occur, especially wehn the herb is combined with certain medications or other herbs that contain cardiac glycosides, causing arrhythmias, abnormally slow heartbeat, heart failure, and even death.
Drug Interactions:
Taking jalap with these drugs may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood):
Acetazolamide, (Apo-Acetazolamide, Diamox Sequels)
Azosemide, (Diat)
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex)
Chlorothiazide, (Diuril)
Chlorthalidone, (Apo-Chlorthalidone, Thalitone)
Ethacrynic Acid, (Edecrin)
Etozolin, (Elkapin)
Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide)
Hydroflumethiazide, (Diucardin, Saluron)
Indapamide, (Lozol, Nu-Indapamide)
Mannitol, (Osmitrol, Resectisol)
Mefruside, (Baycaron)
Methazolamide, (Apo-Methazolamide, Neptazane)
Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron)
Metolazone, (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)
Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, (Benicar HCT)
Polythiazide, (Renese)
Torsemide, (Demadex)
Trichlormethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua)
Urea, (Amino-Cerv, UltraMide)
Xipamide, (Diurexan, Lumitens)
Taking jalap with this drug may be harmful:
Digitalis, (Digitek, Lanoxin)—may increase the risk of drug toxicity.
Disease Effects:
May worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
Supplement Interactions:
Warning:
Seeds of many Ipomoea species are harmful if eaten.
This herb, in the form of jalap resin, is subject to legal restrictions in some countries around the world.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 243
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.287-288