The genus name Jatropha derived from the Greek iatros (doctor) and trophe (food) which implies medicinal uses. Jatropha curcas L. belonging to the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family. Curcas purgans Medic. Vernacular/common names — English — physic nut, purging nut; Thailand — sabudam, Indonesia — jarak pagar, Chinese — yu-lu-tzu; the Philippines — tubang-bakod, Brazil — mundubi-assu, Tanzania — makaen. By definition, it is a perennial small tress or large shrub which can reach a height of up to 6 m. The plant, originating in Central America, is mainly grown in Asia and in Africa, where it is known as Pourghere. It is cultivated in the tropics and semi tropics as a living fence. The seeds, however, are toxic to humans and many animals, and this species is a

resistant to a high degree of aridity and as such does not compete with food crops. It can grow without protection and can be used as a hedge to protect fields and farmer housings. Jatropha, the wonder plant produces seeds with an oil content of 37%. When the seeds are crushed, the resulting jatropha oil can be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel fuel (between 30-35% of oil yield can be produced from one kg of seeds) without being refined and can be applied to a standard diesel engine. The by-products are press cake a good organic fertilizer, oil contains also insecticide. Glycerine byproducts from biodiesel production offer a valuable additional income stream to refiners.

Other uses :

Leaves — The young leaves may be safely eaten, steamed or stewed. Cooked with goat meat, they are said to advantageously counteract its smell.

Flowers — As honey plants.

Nuts — Sometimes roasted and eaten, although they are purgative. They can be burned like candlenuts when strung on grass. Used as a contraceptive in South Sudan.

Seed — The oil has been used for illumination, soap, candles, the adulteration of olive oil, and making Turkey red oil. Turkey red oil, also called sulphonated (or sulfated) castor oil, is the only oil that completely disperses in water. It is made by adding sulfuric acid to pure Jatropha oil. It was the first synthetic detergent after ordinary Soap, as this allows easy use for making bath oil products. It is used in formulating lubricants, softeners, and dyeing assistants. The seeds in particular area are very appreciated by the population as food once they have been boiled and roasted. It is unclear if this is due to the existence of a non-toxic variety of Jatropha in Mexico and Central America, or if the seeds become eatable once processed by cooking. It is also similarly reported that Jatropha seeds are edible once the embryo has been removed. Again it may be so because of these seeds coming from a local

non-toxic variety.

Roots — Their ashes are used as a salt substitute. It can be used to kill molluscs, and has been listed for homicide, piscicide, and raticide as well.

Bark — Used as a fish poison.

Latex — Strongly inhibits the watermelon mosaic virus.

Sap — It stains linen. Sometimes used for marking. Shrub — Mexicans grow the shrub as a host for the lac

insect, which is used in medicine as hepatoprotective and anti-obesity drug. Used for erosion control.

Further information

Banzon, J. A.; Velasco, J. R. Coconut: production and utilization. (1982)