| Ipomoea purga | |
|---|---|
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| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus: | Ipomoea |
| Species: | I. purga
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ipomoea purga (Wender.) Hayne
| |
Ipomoea purga is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ipomoea. It is commonly referred to as jalap[1] and is probably also the source of the John the Conqueror root.
Ipomoea purga is described as a vine that can reach heights of 12 feet (3.7 m). When fresh, the root is black externally, white and milky within, and varies in size according to its age.[2] It has heart shaped leaves and purple trumpet like flowers. Ipomoea purga is rather difficult to break down, but if triturated with cream of tartar, sugar of milk, or other hard salts, the process of pulverization is much easier, and the powder rendered much finer.[2] When in powder form in order to ingest, the color is a pale grayish brown.[2] Ipomoea purga is native to Mexico and it is naturalized in other parts of the neotropics.[1]
Ipomoea purga was encountered by Spanish conquistadores during the conquest of Mexico.[3] It was introduced to Europe in 1565 as a medical herb[3] used to treat an array of illnesses up until the 19th century when modern medical practices became the norm.[3]
The root contains convolvulin, which is a powerful cathartic (see jalap). Root extracts were used to accelerate defecation.[2] It may also induce nausea or vomiting. In higher quantities, it can lead to intense hypercatharsis, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes. When applied to a wound, it is said to induce purgation.[2]
Ipomoea purga resin can be dissolved in either alcohol or diethyl ether. The resin that is insoluble in ether is odorless while the resin soluble in alcohol does have an odor and is typically a brownish color. The convolvulinolic acid (C28H52O14)that is produced in Ipomoea purga can be broken down into a sugar molecule (C6H12O6) and a form of crystallized convolvulinolic acid (C16H30O3) when diluted.[2]
