App. Sci. Rep.1 (2), 2013: 36-39 © PSCI Publications Applied Science Reports www.pscipub.com/ASR Health and environmental benefits of jatropha curcas linn. 1 Agbogidi, O.M., 2Akparobi, S.O. and 1Eruotor, P.G. 1. Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, 2. Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Corresponding author Email:
[email protected] Keywords Jatropha curcas health values environmental benefits rural development ABSTRACT An attempt has been made to review the health and environmental benefits of physics nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.). it is established different parts of this biodiesel producing plant including the leaves, the oil, sap, stem, roots and bark have numerous health benefits including skin injections, antidote for snake bites, leprosy and rheumatism, treatment of tooth ache and muscular pains, pile, fever, jaundice, gonorrhea, constipation, heart burn and as purgative as well as contraceptive principle. It is also maintained that J. curcas has anti-malarial, insecticidal, anti-cancerous and anti-tumor properties. Environmentally, J. curcas has great potential for soil enrichment, can replace synthetic fertilizers as the leaves and branches are used as manure for coconut trees. It contributes to carbon sequestration thereby aiding in the mitigation of climate change. It also has the potential of retaining marginal and degraded soil by re anchoring the soil with substantial roof and reducing possibility of soil erosion. The study also established that J. curcas has the potential of remediating heavy metal and hydrocarbon contaminated soils. The health and environmental benefits of this multipurpose plant need to harness to better the lots of Nigeria rural populace. © 2013 PSCI Publisher All rights reserved. Introduction Jatropha curcas L. (physic nut) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It is a native to the American tropics mostly likely Mexico and Central America (Balick and Paul, 2000;. It is called Lapalapa by the Yorubas, Cinidazugu by the Hausas, olulu-idu/uru by the Igbos, omangba by the Iyedes in Benue State and Itiakpa by the Urhobos in Delta State and biodiesel fuel plant commonly. It is now widely cultivated in both tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world (Duke and Edward, 1985; Agbogidi et al., 2013). It produces flowers and fruits throughout the year. The seeds contain between 27 and 40 % oil which can be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel fuel useable in a standard diesel engine (Kumar et al., 2008). Besides biodiesel production, J. curcas has numerous other uses because it is a multipurpose plant. Among these other benefits are health and environmental values. The present study is an attempt by the authors to emphasize the health and environmental benefits of this God’s given species with a view to highlighting these values as it helps to reduce the rate of environmental degradation and maintenance of rural health care. Health benefits of Jatropha curcas Jatropha curcas has been reported to have a lot of health benefits because of its wide range of medicinal uses (Bialey and Doys, 2001). The name Jatropha curcas meaning (Doctor’s nutrient) was related to its numerous medicinal uses. The medicinal uses of this species range from external, internal and even teeth (Agbogidi and Ekeke, 2011). Different parts of the plant including the leaves, fruits, latex and bark contains glycosides, tannins, phytosterol, flavonoids and steroidal sapogenins that exhibits wide range of medicinal properties ( Duke, 1994; Edeoga et al., 2005; Agbogidi and Eruotor, 2012). Flavonoids are phenolic compounds that are involved in plant-plant interaction (allelopathy, inhibition of germination and growth) while glycosides are synthesized for amino acids. External medicinal uses i. Leaves The leaves are regarded as antiparasitic, applied to scabies, rubefacient for paralysis, rheumatism and also applied to hard tumor (Duke et al., 2002; Aliyu, 2006). The sap from the leaves can be used on bee or wasp sting. The leaves, when curcas contain a contraceptive principle. 2011). 1992. The roots are used in decoction as mouth wash for bleeding gums and tooth ache as well as for eczema. An aqueous extract of the leaves has insecticidal properties and the leaves are also used in fumigating houses against bed bug. The leaves contain apigenin. purgative and rubefacient. curcas include stryptic. 2001). dysentery. laxative. burns. curcas i. Stem Stems of young leaves have been used to successfully treat urinary infections. The tender twig can also be used as a tooth brush to clean the teeth (Gill. curcas shows antibiotic activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. sores. anasorea.. erysipelas. Sap from the leaves can also be rubbed on to the gum of babies to aid with teething. 2003). pesticide. yellow fever. heart burns. hemostat. 2010. Nayak and Patel. fever. The roots The roots are used to make an antidote for snake bites (Oliver. dyspepsia. For homicides.. An alkaloid known as jatrophine is believed to have anti-cancerous properties. 2002). stomach ache. 37 . convulsions. uterosis. iv. diuretic. cicatrizant. Latex is use to dress sores. rheumatism. whitlows and yaws. The oil from the seed can also be applied to soothe rheumatic pain. 2007). It is used as a purgative to empty the system. narcotic. The sap The sap from the bark is used to dress bleeding wound and ulcer and can also be used to stop bleeding. vitex (bark). 2006). curcas is abortifaceous. anodyne. tetanus. diarrhea. The ashes are used as salt substitute. it becomes effective against scabies and dermatitis (Priminick. Aliyu (2006) further reported that J. iii. 2010. 2013: 36-39 pounded can be applied on the eye of a horse to scare flies from it especially in India. The bark Tea from the bark of J. The tea from the leaves could help with the reduction of fever and help with jaundice and gonorrhea. people boil the leaves and drink the decoction to relieve heart burn.App. When the oil is mixed with benzyl benzoate. 2013). In Barcelona. vermifuge and vulnerary. 2010). Other internal uses include the following: The fruits and seeds of J. 1993. Sci. The latex from J. carbuncles. 2007).. Seeds when chewed abated constipation. The seeds of J. sovitexin (leaf). ringworm. Internal medicinal uses of J. ulcers and inflamed tongues (Iwu. The milking sap is used for the treatment of dermatomucosal diseases. scabies and ringworm. curcas is given to people with leprosy and rheumatism. The seed oil is emetic. jaundice. ii. Agbogidi and Ekeke. The plant is used as a natural pesticide because of its toxicity (Makkar et al. Jatropha kernel oil together with about 36% linoleic acid is a possible interest for skin care industry. The oil The oil from J. Jatropha has also been known to display certain anti-tumor properties. antiseptic. eczema. It is used to strengthen gum and as a treatment of sore in the tongue (Kurian. 1 (2). and curcusones (whole plant) (Osemene et al. cough. The plant is rich in many photochemical including xylose (seeds). Rep. lactagogue. Similarly.. dropsy. 2010). iii. ether extracts of J. Other ethnomedicinal uses of J. purgative and for skin ailments. 2000). dermatitis. vitexin and ansovitexin which when combined with other factors enable them to be used against muscular pains (El-Ekanali. The latex is also used to treat tooth ache. ascites. anti-malaria properties and studies are also advancing in area of HIV/AIDS and urine system response enhancement. curcas inhibits the water melon mosaic virus. The seeds are also used as insecticides. Hasfort. regicide and extracts are used in folk remedies for cancer (Aliyu. thrush. The leaves Making a compress from the leaves and placing it on the sore tooth will help relieve pains (Rejore and Batra. boils and sores. Jongschaap et al. The use of the oil may cause premature abortions (Kurian. rashes. The latex is also applied topically to bee and wasp stings. The seeds are also used as asperiant. curcas seeds is used in helping with rashes and parasitic skin diseases (Okolie et al. ulcer. depurative. 2006). paralysis. curcas are grounded with palm oil and used as rat poison. ii. The sap from the leaves is also used as an application for the treatment of pile. It has also been reported as a folk remedy for alopecia. curcas Other uses of J. 2013b) hence Jones and Miller (2003) reported that Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose species for problematic sites. germplasm diversity. biodiesel production or green fuel production. curcas removes carbon from the atmosphere (carbon sequestration). Sci. With tan increasing in the planting of Jatropha species. miners and environmentalists and others who are well knowledge on the disastrous impact from the deposition from spilled oil.94%) and this can be used as organic manure (Agbigidi et al. 2007 . there could be substitution of fire wood by plant for household cooking of rural areas to reduce the current rate of deforestation as well as promoting the health of rural women subjected to indoor surface pollution from cooking by insufficient fuel. Germination response of Jatropha curcas L. Land reformation The plant also has the potential of retaining marginal and degraded soil by re-anchoring the soil with its substantial roof and reducing possibility of erosion (Agbogidi and Ekeke. Eruotor PG.. Agbogidi and Eruotor.App. Asos AA. Agbogidi et al. References Agamuthu P. Journal of Biological and Chemical Research 28 1 : 52-62. The need for its large scale production in rural areas in the tropics and Nigeria specifically cannot be underscored to reap not only medicinal and environmental dividends. Industrialist. 2012). Other uses of J. proteins alkaloids terpenoids and phenolic compounds (Sofowora. management of climate change. 2013: 36-39 Environmental benefits of J. 1993. Ekka. rural sociology and finally. The medicinal value of plants has bioactive phytochemicals constituents that produce definite physiological actions on human bodies (Maikhube. 2013). Jatropha curcas hedges act as soil erosion control strategies (Agbogidi et al. 2008. Ohwo OA.. 2011. phosphate (2. 13:7-14. Agbogidi OM. curcas a. Jatropha curcas: Linn an important but neglected plant species in Nigeria. The leaves and branches are used as manure for coconut trees and to provide plant with organic matter thereby increasing microbial activities that help in decomposition. 1 (2). 2012. hydrocarbon contaminated soils. Irritant Memory enhancer Sedative Soap Sweetners Antifertility Antibacterial Anti HIV Antidiabetic Antidote Absorbent Anti arthritis Antitumor promoter Conclusion The health and environmental benefits of Jatropha curcas have been reviewed. Jatropha curcas remediation of heavy metals. 2011). Phytochemicals could be primary and secondary constituents including common sugars. Agbogidi OM. Ekeke EA. b. J.. The use of Jatropha curcas oil as bioenergy to replace petrol. curcas in waste lands (Agbogidi et al. curcas could remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbon (Kumar et al. curcas include: as dye. Abioye OP. national development. 2011). sludge. diesel. 2011 . American Journal of Plant Physiology.. Studies have showed that J. feed resources and animal nutrition. Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences 2 5 :114-117. 2013). will protect the environment. 2006). heavy metals and the limit to fossil fuel supply have subscribed to the harnessing of natural remediating by Jatropha curcas hence many countries have shown great interest on the cultivation of this species for bioremediation purposes. store it in the woody tissues and assist in the building of soil carbon (Agbogidi and Ekeke. Phytoremediation of soil contaminated with used lubricating oil using Jatropha curcas L. amino acids.75%) and potassium (0.. 2013b). Rep. A potential for enrichment of soil Jatropha oil cake is rich in nitrogen (6%). seeds as influenced by crude oil in soil. 38 . The oil can also be used to replace synthetic fertilizers by undertaking plantations of J. but also to harness its other numerous uses in the industry. Aigbe O. Ohwo A. 2012 in Singapore. Duke PAK.Medicinal plants of East Africa. Industrial Crops and Products 1-8. Duke JA. 1993 .S. Malauer BE. 2 1 :140-143. Kano. Renewable Energy 28:239-248. Phytochemical constituents of some Nigerian plants. E. Chehregani A. Gill LS. and Sandhu. Nairobi. 1 (2). Pp. Miller JH. Jongschaap RE. Brandenburg W. Biologically active compounds in important species. Spices. Nayak BS. Corre WJ. 2009 . S. 1993 . Sofowora A. Ethno medicinal use of plants in Nigeria. Okoegwale EE. Batra A. 2007 . University Press. Duke JA. 2012 . In: Charalambous. Sci. Journal of Bioinnovation 2 3 : 137-145. Handbook of medicinal herbs. African Journal of Biotechnology 44 7 :685-688. Journal of Ecology. Nairobi. ed. Pp 225-250. 2007 . 2013: 36-39 Agbogidi OM. Nigeria. Taxonomy and Botany 27:36-41. Jones N. Ilondu EM. Aliyu BS. Properties and use of Jatropha curcas oil and diesel fuel blends compression ignition engines. Kumar A. Plant Research International 7:20-28. : a review. 2002 . Oliver-Beaver B. Michigan Reference Publications. 88-93. Medicinal plants in tropical West Africa.3rd edition. Claims and facts on Jatropha curcas L. Boca Raton. 2013 . Jatropha curcas: a multipurpose species for problematic sites. Okoli RI. 2009 . Medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa. Eruotor PG. Patel KN. Bogenschutz-Godwin MJ. Some ethnomdicinal plants of the Savannah regions of West Africa: description and phytochemicals. Ohafu-Obode JO. Ibadan. Agbogidi OM. Some herbal preparations among the people of Isoko clan of Delta State. Okwu DE. Rep. 2007 . Cambridge University Press.App. Mbaebre BO. . Kokwaro J. University of Benin Press. 2002 . An evaluation of multipurpose oil seed crop for industrial uses Jatropha curcas L. Morphological Changes due to spent engine oil contamination and its heavy metal components of Jatropha curcas. A World Bank paper. Nigeria. Pharmacognosis studies of Jatropha curcas leaves. CRC Press. Ashwani CA. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 8:7-10. 1994 . P. Prminik K. 1985 . In: Baby. Triumph Publishing Company Ltd. Edeoga HO. Satyawati S. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 6 5 :470-490. 1986 . Effects of crude oil as a soil contaminant on seedling growth of Jatropha curcas Linn. 2010 . Kokwaro J. Rajore S. eds. 1992 . Elsevier Science Oxford. Bindraban PS. 2006 . Edward SA. 2005 . DuCellier J. Omofezi JU. Proceedings of the International Conference on Bioscience. .A. Medicinal plants of China. herbs and edible fungi. Removal of heavy metals by native accumulates plants. Journal of Applied Science 4 4 :23592371. 2012 .Medicinal plants of East Africa. Jatropha curcas: a plant of immense potential value. University Press. Mariere AE. Ohwo A. Agbogidi OM. 39 . London. International Journal of Science and Nature 3 4 : 758-762. Mensah JK. 2008 . Spectrum Books Ltd. Benin-City. Metal concentration in plant tissues of Jatropha curcas L grown in crude oil contaminated soil. 2003 . Duke JA. Washington DC. International Journal of Pharmtech Research. 2001 . Biotechnology and Health Sciences ICBBHs’ 2012 organized by Planetary Science Centre Research December 14 and 15.3rd edition. 2nd Edition. Medicinal herbs used for managing some common ailments among Esan people Edo State.