Jikow (Daphne mucronata)

Daphne mucronata Royle (Thymelaeaceae)

Vernacular name: Jikow (in Kinnauri)

Click here to watch a short video about this species

Click here to watch a short video about this species

Daphne mucronata Royle (Thymelaeaceae), locally known as Jikow in Kinnauri, is a shrub native to southeastern Türkiye, the Western Himalayas, and the Arabian Peninsula. It mainly grows in temperate, and semi-arid biomes of these regions.

Ecology and Evolution of Daphne mucronata

• A 2021 study found that the distribution of Daphne mucronata is mainly influenced by three factors: rainfall during the coldest months, the average diurnal temperature range (the difference between day and night temperatures), and the average temperature in the wettest months.

• The genus Daphne Tourn. ex L. (Thymelaeaceae) includes shrubs that grow widely in southern Asia, with some species also found in the Mediterranean region. These plants have special features known as sclerophyllous syndrome traits—such as tough, evergreen leaves, small flowers, and fleshy fruits. Scientists believe these traits came from ancient plant lineages that survived major extinctions during the Cenozoic era. These plants were able to adapt to the strong seasonal changes that came with the Mediterranean climate and survive. This may help explain why Daphne species are so hardy and can survive in dry, cold desert areas like Kinnaur.
  

Fun fact:

Daphne mucronata Royle, first described in 1836 from the Western Himalayas, is one of the few species originally documented from this region (J.D. Hooker in Flora of British India (FBI 5: 193)).

Traditional Use/Medicinal:

• The essential oil from both the stem and leaves of Daphne mucronata shows strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans and E. coli.

• A recent 2024 study reveals that the seeds of Daphne mucronata, which are rich in phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, can be utilized for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These synthesized AgNPs exhibit notable anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as strong antioxidant activity. Silver nanoparticles (specifically, plant-derived AgNPs) are known for their ability to disrupt microbial cell walls, inhibit cellular respiration, and interfere with DNA replication, which is thought to contribute to their broad-spectrum anti-microbial effects. Additionally, their antioxidant properties allow them to scavenge free radicals, further enhancing their potential for use in various therapeutic applications.

• Traditionally, the leaves of Daphne mucronata are poisonous and are used as an insect repellent, and to treat insect bites and abscesses. The plant’s glue is also reported to treat muscular and nerve issues in Pakistan.

• In Kinnaur, Jikow (Daphne mucronata) is used during the Chetrol festival. Just before nightfall, people prepare poori and halwa, along with kindling (small sticks of wood, locally known as sang, which are lit), and Jikow (Daphne mucronata), all of which are placed inside a dried bottle gourd (Tomang). The gourd is then thrown far away from the house as a ritual to ward off negativity. However, this practice is now carried out with extreme caution to avoid the risk of wildfires.

• In ancient times, Daphne mucronata was used to make paper, and elders often say that "Buddhist pothiyan" (paper used to inscribe scriptures) were crafted from the bark of Jikow (Daphne mucronata). However, I have not been able to find anyone who can explain the process of making paper from it.
  

References

1. Ramos‐Capón, C., Vargas, P., Pomeda‐Gutiérrez, F., & Martín‐Hernanz, S. (2024). Time‐calibrated phylogeny of Daphne(Thymelaeaceae): Pre‐Mediterranean temporal origin of the sclerophyllous Daphne gnidium. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, 62(1), 20-37.

2. Fahim, M., Shahzaib, A., Nishat, N., Jahan, A., Bhat, T. A., & Inam, A. (2024). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A comprehensive review of methods, influencing factors, and applications. JCIS Open, 100125.

3. Movahedi, R., Razmjoue, D., Bahmani, M., Lysiuk, R., & Oroojalian, F. (2024). Eco‐friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Daphne mucronata Royle seeds extract and the potential antibacterial, antifungal, and scolicidal activities. ChemistrySelect, 9(40), e202403423.

4. Tarnian, F., Kumar, S., Azarnivand, H., Chahouki, M. A. Z., & Mossivand, A. M. (2021). Assessing the effects of climate change on the distribution of Daphne mucronata in Iran. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 193(9), 562.

5. Ashraf, I., Zubair, M., Rizwan, K., Rasool, N., Jamil, M., Khan, S. A., ... & Jaafar, H. Z. (2018). Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of essential oils from different parts of Daphne mucronata Royle. Chemistry Central Journal, 12, 1-8.

   
   

   Instagram link for video on Jikow: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJN93T3zfsY/?igsh=ZzkzY2V5cjJsaDNk