Jatropha Curcus

INTRODUCTION

Jatropha has many uses in today's world. Each and every part of the plant is useful in some ways. Even the seed cake produced as a by product is used as an excellent organic fertilizer. Some parts of the plant are used for medical purposes. In short all the parts of the jatropha plant can be used or sold.

USES

   The non edible vegetable oil extracted from the jatropha plant can be used as an alternative to the diesel oil. The jatropha oil has advantageous physicochemical and the characteristic that is equal to diesel. So cars can use this oil with little change in their design.

   The oil can be used as an illuminant without refining.

   The jatropha oil burns with clear free smoke and flame.

   Because of its high saponification the oil is used to make soap in some parts of the world.

   Jatrophine an alkaloid material is present in the latex of jatropha which is assumed to have anti cancerous properties.

   It is used on the domestic livestock for skin diseases, sore and rheumatism.

   The tender wing of the jatropha plant is used for cleaning.

   The juice of the leaf is used for piles as an external application.

   The roots are believed to act as an antidote for snake bites.

   A dark blue dye is extracted from the bark of jatropha. This dye is used as a coloring matter for clothes, fishing nets, and lines.

   Jatropha oil cake is used as organic manure since it is rich in potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen.

   Silkworms consume the leaves of the jatropha leaves for their diet.