Antinutritional factors, toxic elements and phytochemicals present in jatropha curcas fruits, kernels, seeds and ethanol seed extract

Jatropha curcas (J. curcas) seeds have been exploited as a source of biodiesel and for its ethnomedicinal uses and agro feed potential, however, toxic properties have been associated with the seeds. The study was aimed at determining the toxic constituents present in J. curcas fruits, seeds and kernels and ethanol seed extract. Standard methods were employed in the investigations, including those of the Association of Analytical Chemists and Trease and Evans. J. curcas fruits, seeds and kernels from Sierra Leone contained cyanogenic glycosides (in mg/100g) of 7.10, 5.10 and 16.96 while the corresponding values for the Nigeria samples were 11.60, 10.15 and 15.92; all greatly above the maximum permissible limits of 0.05-0.35. Similarly, the tannin contents of the fruits, seeds and kernels from Sierra Leone (1.66, 1.46, and 1.80) and of the seeds and kernels from Nigeria (1.40, 1.48) approximated the maximum permissible limits of 1.5 mg/100g or were higher. In contrast, the phytates and saponins which ranged from 1.78-2.14 and 1.64-2.42 for both sources of J. curcas were significantly below the maximum permissible levels of 500 mg/100g (for phytates) and 100 mg/100g (for saponins). Heavy metals like cadmium, copper, chromium and lead were also detected, but their concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits. These constituents were mostly similar regardless of the country source of Jatropha. Ethanol extract of J. curcas seeds was found to contain toxic phytochemicals and heavy metals. J. curcas as food cannot be ruled out especially for animals since cooking, fermentation and heat treatment can significantly reduce some of these antinutritional factors

Phytochemical Screening and Quantification of Flavonoids from Leaf Extract of Jatropha Curcas Linn

Background: The Jatropha curcas L.(Euphorbiaceae) herb is found in SouthWest; Nigeria and other parts of West Africa; and is claimed to possess anti-hypertensive property. Objective: The phytochemical screening and flavonoid quantification of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas Linn were studied. Methods: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic leaf extract of J. curcas L. was carried using acceptable and standard methods. The flavonoid contents of the leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L. were determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC); infrared spectroscopy (IRS) and a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the leaves of the plant shows the presence of alkaloids; cardiac glycosides; cyanogenic glycosides; phlobatannins; tannins; flavonoids and saponins. To quantify the flavonoid contents of leaf extract of Jatropha curcas L ; extracts from the plant samples where examined in a C-18 column with UV detection and isocratic elution with acetonitrile; water (45:55). Levels of flavonoids (flavones) in leaves ranged from 6:90 to 8:85 mg / g dry weight. Conclusion : Results indicate that the methanolic extract of the leaves of Jatropha curcas L. contains useful active ingredients which may serve as potential drug for the treatment of diseases. In addition; a combination of TLC; IRS and HPLC can be used to analyse and quantify the flavonoids present in the leaves of Jatropha curcas L

Evaluation of Jatropha curcas latex ointment formulations in-vitro and in-vivo

The dried latex of Jatropha curcas was formulated into ointments of 2.5; 5 and 10 w/w concentrations in hydrocarbon base B.P.C; using the fusion and levigation methods. The efficacy of the ointments was evaluated in-vitro using the agar diffusion method and cup-plate technique with the following organisms: Escherichia coli (N.C.T.C. 10418); Staphylococcus aureus (N.C.T.C. 6571); Microsporum sp.; Epidermophyton sp. and Trichophyton sp.; which were clinical isolates. For the in-vivo studies; volunteers with Tinea capitis from a primary school were used. The results indicated that the ointment formulations were active both in-vitro and in-vivo. The activities of the test formulations compared favorably with those from the standard formulations; i.e. Whitfield's ointment B.P. and penicillin ointment B.P.C. The results also indicated that the stability of latex was maintained within the ointment base over the nine months period of storage