Valentine Chi Mbatchou and Frank Osei
Keywords: n-hexane, extraction, seed-oil, Jatropha curcas, toxic phytochemicals, non-aphrodiasiac potentials and mice.
Abstract: Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose, drought resistant, perennial plant belonging to the Euphorbiceae family which is gaining lots of importance for the production of biodiesel from its oil. This study revealed the other potentials of the oil. Qualitative analysis was carried out on oil extract from the seed of J. curcas which revealed the presence of phytochemicals. The oil extract was also tested for aphrodisiac potentials and toxicity on mice. Results indicated the presence of saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and steroids which have been reported to have pharmacological attributes. The oil extract did not exhibit aphrodisiac potentials on the male mice at different doses administered (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml). Mortalities were recorded for the oil extract tested on both the male and female mice. Hence, the studies indicated that the oil extract from the seed of J. curcas does not possess aphrodisiac potentials but contained toxins which can be removed to make the oil edible.
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