Corchorus olitorius L.

Abstract

Corchorus olitorius L. (Nalta or Tossa jute), a member of the family Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae), is an economically and medicinally significant plant cultivated widely across tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally known as the “Golden Fibre” crop for its strong, lustrous stem fibres, it is a primary source of jute along with C. capsularis. Beyond its industrial role, C. olitorius holds nutritional and therapeutic importance. Its leaves, commonly consumed as a vegetable in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, dietary fibre, and bioactive flavonoids, phenolics, terpenes, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins. These phytoconstituents contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-ulcer, neuroprotective, and wound-healing properties. Modern pharmacological studies have validated many of these uses, highlighting activities such as free radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, anticancer effects, and metabolic regulation. The low toxicity and biocompatibility of its extracts also suggest potential applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical formulations, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and herbal therapeutics. Thus, C. olitorius represents a multipurpose plant of global significance, bridging traditional medicine, modern pharmacology, nutrition, and industry.