About Jatropha Curcas
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.
Element of Jatropha Curcas
Jatropha curcas seed is processed to produce biofuel, biodiesel & glycerol
Jatropha curcas plants have the following unique qualities:
1. Oil yield, approx. 30%
2. Thrives well in tropical climates such as Malaysia
3. Fast growth; produces fruits after 6 months of cultivation
4. Low maintenance - the use of pesticides and other polluting substances are not necessary, due to the pesticidal and fungicidal properties of the plant.
5. Life expectancy of more than 45 years
6. One jatropha fruit contains 2-4 seeds that are processed into oil, which will then be used to produce biodiesel
7. Small-sized and shady shrubs which makes it easy to harvest
8. An acre of land is capable of accommodating cultivation of 800 plants. A 10-inch seedling is sold at the prices of PHP32.5 at the nurseries.
9. Per acre yield of 3.6 metric tons of fruits in the first three years and multiply after the third year.
10. BIONAS buy-back guarantee is for thirty (30) years with initial price of PHP 11.00/kg equal to PHP 11,000/ tonne.
Comparison of Charateristics Between Jatropha Biofuel and Ordinary Diesel
Parameter
Diesel
Jatropha Bio-fuel
Energy (MJ/kg)
42.6 – 45
39.6 – 41.8
Density (g/ml)
0.85
0.88
Boiling point (˚C)
55
192
Sulphur (%)
0.5
0
Carbon sedimentation (%)
<0.35
0.0024
Cetane number
47.8
51
CONCLUSION : Jatropha biofuel has a relatively greater cetane number, approximately the same amount of energy but minus the sulfur as opposed to diesel. Studies using diesel engines tested with jatropha oil have also attested to its potential as a high-quality biofuel by increasing acceleration and reducing environmental pollution.

Uses of Jatropha Curcas :
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.
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.
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.
The roots are used as laxatives as well as to treat rheumatism.
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.
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.
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.