The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (DoST-PCARRD) said that a plant used as herbal medicine can grow in lahar-laden areas of San Marcelino, Zambales.

As part of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and PCARRD’s integrated research and development program, researchers from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), led by Tomas Gajete, delved on the productivity of jatropha plantations in San Marcelino.

Jatropha curcas, aka “tubang bakod”, grows sporadically as hedges or as abandoned crops across the country. However, it can be used as herbal medicine in rural areas and can be a source of alternative renewable fuel.

According to the Center for New Crops and Plants Products website of the Purdue University in Indiana, USA, jatropha leaves are safe to eat. The nuts are sometimes roasted and eaten, while in South Sudan, Africa, it is being used as a contraceptive.

The seeds, on the other hand, have been used in soaps, candles, and Turkey red oil.