Jatropha Curcas Fruits
Parallel to the ever-expending industrial needs, the demand for oil fuel constantly increases which results in the inevitable increase in the global oil prices. Hence, numerous efforts to find alternative oil fuel derived from plants have been carried out since that led to the discovery of the Jatropha curcas plants which are naturally endowed with multitudinous uses and unique properties.
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Jatropha Curcas plants have the following unique qualities:
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Uses of Jatropha Curcas :
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Oil obtained from the jatropha fruits Oil obtained from the jatropha fruits when heated will produce a poisonous yellow substance. When it is added with sulfur, it can be applied to minor cuts and wounds. It also used to treat athlete’s foot. The skin of the fruit is commonly used to treat constipation.
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Brewed leaves of these jatropha plants are known to have antipyretic and anti-malarial properties. The leaves are also food for the silkworms. Shed leaves that fall to the ground will decompose hence promoting soil fertility.
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Barks are used to treat snakebites and sprains. They are also effective in removing the white off a baby’s tongue and relieving extreme body heat. They may also be used to produce dark blue fabric dye.
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The roots are used as laxatives as well as to treat rheumatism.
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The seeds serve as active ingredients in potent traditional remedies for treating knee pains, cough, scalds, gonorrhea, paralysis, swellings, jaundice, pneumonia, itches, ulcers and growths.
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The sap is used for alleviating toothache and mouth ulcers but should not be consumed due to its poisonous nature. It is also used in treating post-circumcision wounds to expedite recovery.
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Dregs produced from jatropha oil processing may be reused as natural fertilizers for they are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They may also serve as fodder for livestock cattle.
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