Jatropha is a genus of approximately 175 succulent plants, shrubs and trees (some are deciduous, like Jatropha curcas), from the familyEuphorbiaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek words ἰατρός (iatros), meaning "physician," and τροφή (trophe), meaning "nutrition," hence the common name physic nut. Mature plants produce separate male and female flowers. As with many members of the family Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic.

In 2007 Goldman Sachs cited Jatropha curcas as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.[2] It is resistant to drought andpests, and produces seeds containing 27-40% oil,[3] averaging 34.4%.[4] The remaining press cake of jatropha seeds after oil extraction could also be considered for energy production.[5] However, despite their abundance and use as oil and reclamation plants, none of the Jatrophaspecies have been properly domesticated and, as a result, their productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of their large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown.[6] Igbinosa and colleagues (2009) demonstrated potential broad spectrum antimicrobial activity of J. curcas[7]