Individuals who take herbal supplements often do so for many reasons, including to ensure adequate vitamin intake, to treat mild ailments, to improve cognition or to reduce aches. Now, a new study has suggested that extract taken from the Jatropha curcas, or physic nut, may naturally relieve pain.

Researchers came to this conclusion after finding that between 200 and 400 milligrams of J. curcas per kilogram of body weight had the same ache-reducing properties as aspirin. Their results appeared in the International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology.

Found predominantly in South America and Africa, the shrubs seeds have been used for years to create soap, dyes, candles, detergent and even bio-diesel. However, it was the leaves that held the key to analgesia, according to the report.

The authors are still unsure which of the plant’s compounds causes the painkilling effect, but they noted that such a discovery may lead to a new treatment for aches and pains, one that potentially lacks side effects associated with other drugs.

Besides contributing to physical well-being, dietary supplements can ensure that the body gets plenty of vitamins and minerals each day.