Jamalgota (Croton Tiglium) for Hair Growth: Ayurvedic Insight, Mechanism, and Safety Explained

Hair fall is a common problem in today’s fast-paced life. From hormonal imbalance and stress to pollution and harsh hair products, several factors can weaken your hair roots.

While markets and online stores are flooded with expensive shampoos and chemical treatments, a unique natural medicine that is gaining popularity in traditional circles is Jamalgota seeds, also known as Croton Tiglium.

But is it safe? Is there any real proof? So, in this article, let’s explore the potential of Jamalgota for hair regrowth.

What is Jamalgota?

Jamalgota is also called purging croton, and the botanical name is Croton Tiglium. It is a powerful seed used in Ayurveda for detoxification and purgation. Its oil is severely pungent, irritating the skin, so it is usually used with caution. Traditionally, it is applied in controlled amounts to stimulate blood circulation, which some believe can help rejuvenate dormant hair follicles.

Jamalgota is available in the form of seeds, which resemble castor seeds in appearance. It grows as a small shrub (15-20 feet high) and is widely found in the Northeast and South Indian subcontinent. The plant has 2-4 inch long leaves, finely veined, and greenish-yellow unisexual flowers. Its fruit is about 1 inch in size, white in color, round, and has three distinct veins.

In Ayurveda, Jamalgota is considered to be pungent in taste, dry, heavy, and acrid. Various parts of the plant—including its seeds, leaves, roots, outer bark, and especially the seed oil—are used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it has been used as a powerful laxative to treat constipation after a detoxification process, often by mixing its seeds with cow’s milk. It is also used externally to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Caution is necessary, however, as its seeds are poisonous and contain a compound called croton, which can cause blood clots and severe poisoning if consumed raw or in large quantities.

However, scientific confirmation of these claims is limited, and this is where our research begins.

Common names of Jamalgota

Various local names like “Jamalgota” in Hindi, “Jayapala” in Bengali, “Nepali” in Gujarati, “Nepal,” “Japala” in Kannada, “Nirvalam” in Malayalam, “Narchalam” in Tamil, “Japolota” in Punjabi, and “Nepalamu” in Telugu know this Jamalgota plant.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses of Jamalgota Seeds

1. Used as a strong laxative

In Ayurveda, Jamalgota is known for its intense laxative (virechana) effect. It is mainly used for the treatment of:

• Severe constipation
• Digestive sluggishness
• Ama (toxin build-up in the intestines)

This herb stimulates the lining of the digestive tract, leading to firm bowel movements that help expel toxins and hard stools. However, due to its high potency, only microdoses are used, and these are purified through proper purification (shodhana).

Important Note: Raw Jamalgota seeds are poisonous. Never consume or use them without proper Ayurvedic processing and medical supervision.

2. Detoxification through Panchakarma

In Ayurvedic cleansing treatments, especially panchakarma, jamalgota is often used in a specific method called virechan, which is a controlled cleansing process.

This method is designed to

• Cleanse the liver and gallbladder
• Drain accumulated pitta doshas
• Support healthy skin and hormonal function

Doctors may use it to help manage

• Chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis
• Liver imbalances
• Hormonal issues related to gut-liver health

3. Anti-Parasitic Action

In traditional medicine, jamalgota is also used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.

Its bitter, pungent nature makes it effective in

• Removing helminths (parasitic worms)
• Reducing inflammation and poor absorption associated with parasites

However, like its laxative effect, dosage and timing are crucial, and it should always be used under the guidance of an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.

4. Use on Joints and Skin (for External use only)

Due to its “ushna” (hot potency) and penetrating nature, diluted Jamalgota oil is traditionally applied for the management of:

• Rheumatic joint pain
• Inflammation
• Certain chronic skin conditions, such as scaly patches or local infections

  Undiluted oil can cause blisters or severe skin irritation. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil like sesame, olive oil, or pure coconut oil, and apply only as directed by a physician.  

Chemical Constituents of Croton tiglium

The Croton genus, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, includes about 1,300 species (recorded between 2006 and 2018). Many of these species have been traditionally used in folk medicine. During this period, researchers discovered 399 new compounds, including 339 diterpenoids. [1]

 The main compounds found in Croton species are diterpenoids. These compounds show a variety of biological activities, such as eliminating cancer cells (cytotoxic), reducing inflammation (anti-inflammatory), fighting fungal infections, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzymes, and promoting the growth of neurons. 

Several species of this genus, such as C. tiglium, C. crassifolius, etc., are used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal inflammation, arthritis, peptic ulcers, and internal pain (Wu, 1991). [2]

List of the 399 chemical compounds with their biological sources and molecular names.

See 399 Chemical Constituents

Mechanism of Action (Irritation-Driven Regeneration?)

Croton oil, extracted from the seeds of jamalgota, is rich in active compounds such as phorbol esters, which can cause mild irritation and inflammation in the skin. This reaction stimulates the growth of hair cells (keratinocytes and dermal papillae) by increasing blood flow.

The phorbol esters in croton oil irritate the skin, activating inflammation and the p38-MAPK pathway, which may stimulate wound healing and potentially hair follicle regeneration. [3]

Also read: Natural Remedies for Hair Loss.

In controlled laboratory conditions, mild irritation may help hair regrowth, just as chemical peels stimulate skin regrowth. But this method is risky and not considered optimal.

Toxicity & Precautions

Croton oil is very strong and may be carcinogenic. Research has shown that some of its components promote tumors. [4] Purifying it with traditional methods such as cow’s milk reduces the harmful amount to some extent, but it is not completely safe. [5] Applying it may cause skin irritation, blisters or skin discoloration, especially if it is used in large quantities.

Never use raw seeds or undiluted oil. Always consult an Ayurvedic expert for safe use.

Evidence from Preclinical Studies

A 2023 study found that when croton oil was combined with olive and coconut oil and applied to rats for 21 days, hair length and density increased. [6] This effect was likely due to mild inflammation that activates hair follicles. However, its effect on humans has not yet been proven.

Human Studies or Case Reports

It can be said that there are no scientific or human studies available yet on the use of Jamalgota for hair growth. However, some beauty treatments (such as phenol-croton peels) use croton oil to exfoliate the skin. But its use for hair growth is still based on speculation, there is no concrete evidence.

Comparison with Other Herbal Remedies (Bhringraj, Brahmi, Rosemary)

References:

Chemical Constituents from Croton Species and Their Biological Activities.

Study on chemical constituents of seeds of Croton tiglium and their cytotoxicities

Bioactive constituents from the leaves of Croton tiglium

FAQ’s

Q1. Can Jamalgota be used directly on the scalp?

No. Raw Jamalgota oil is toxic and can irritate. Always use it diluted and under professional guidance.

Q2. Are there clinical trials that prove Jamalgota helps hair growth?

Only preclinical (rat-based) studies exist. No official human trials support its effectiveness yet.

Q3. What is a safe alternative to Jamalgota for hair regrowth?

Bhringaraj, rosemary, and Brahmi have more supportive data and safe topical use.