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Characteristics of Jatropha
Jatropha seed is toxic in nature and it contains purgative oil and a phytotoxin / toxalbumin (curcin) similar to ricin in Ricinus.
Main Toxins in Jatropha
Curcin, a phytotoxin (toxalbumin), is found mainly in the seeds and also in the fruit and sap.
The oil contains small amounts of an irritant curcanoleic acid, which is related to ricinoleic acid and crotonoleic acid, the principle active ingredients of castor oil and croton oil respectively (Joubert et al., 1984).
Other Toxins: There may be an alkaloid, and a glycoside, in jatropha, which produce cardiovascular and respiratory depression. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ), an amide alkaloid has been obtained from the stem of J. podagrica (Ojewole & Odebiyi, 1981). Atropine-like effects have also been reported following ingestion of Jatropha multifida (Aplin 1976).
Effects of Seed Toxicity
Due to several different toxic principles, neither the seeds nor the press cake nor the oil of Jatropha curcas can be used for human or animal nutrition.
J. curcas nut poisoning in humans after accidental consumption of the seeds have been recorded and shows symptoms such as giddiness, vomiting and diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal irritation have been reported. The consumption of raw seeds is considered to produce cramps and uneasy feelings in stomach.
Related Links
- Introduction to the Biofuel Industry
- Properties of Jatropha
- Characteristics of Jatropha
- Extracting Jatropha Oil
- Pre-extraction of Jatropha Oil
- Extraction of Oil from Jatropha Seed
- Filtration & Purification of Jatropha Oil
- Clarification of the Oil
- Getting Clean Jatropha Oil
- Refining the pure Oil
- Typical Processes & Equipments for Jatropha Oil Refinery Plants
- Removing the toxins from the Meal
- Uses of Jatropha Meal
- Properties of Jatropha Oil
- Global Biodiesel Production and Capacity
- Global Market View on Jatropha
- Strategies for Financing
- Status of Jatropha in Asia
- Status of Jatropha in Europe
- Status of Jatropha in Africa
- Status of Jatropha in South America
- Status of Jatropha in North America
- Status of Jatropha Oil Production in India
- Genetic Engineering in Jatropha
- Status of Genetic Engineering of Jatropha in India
- Present Market Scenario for Jatropha
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