Non-toxic Jatropha Research Articles

In Vitro Multi-Bioactive Potential of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of a Non-Toxic Jatropha curcas Cake Protein Isolate.

The Jatropha curcas cake, a protein-rich by-product of biofuel production, was the subject of our study. We identified and quantified the ACE inhibitory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of bioactive peptides from a Jatropha curcas L. var Sevangel protein isolate. The protein isolate (20.44% recovered dry matter, 38.75% protein content, and 34.98% protein yield) was subjected to two enzyme systems for hydrolysis: alcalase (PEJA) and flavourzyme (PEJF), recording every 2 h until 8 h had passed. The highest proteolytic capacity in PEJA was reached at 2 h (4041.38 ± 50.89), while in PEJF, it was reached at 6 h (3435.16 ± 59.31). Gel electrophoresis of the PEJA and PEJF samples showed bands corresponding to peptides smaller than 10 kDa in both systems studied. The highest values for the antioxidant capacity (DPPH) were obtained at 4 h for PEJA (56.17 ± 1.14), while they were obtained at 6 h for PEJF (26.64 ± 0.52). The highest values for the antihypertensive capacity were recorded at 6 h (86.46 ± 1.85) in PEJF. The highest antidiabetic capacity obtained for PEJA and PEJF was observed at 6 h, 68.86 ± 8.27 and 52.75 ± 2.23, respectively. This is the first report of their antidiabetic activity. Notably, alcalase hydrolysate outperformed flavourzyme hydrolysate and the cereals reported in other studies, confirming its better multi-bioactivity.

Development of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of gene expression in Pleurotus pulmonarius for biotechnological applications

Jatropha curcas is an oilseed crop with biorefinery applications. Whilst cake generated following oil extraction offers potential as a protein source for animal feed, inactivation of toxic phorbol esters present in the material is necessary. Pleurotus pulmonarius is a detoxifying agent for jatropha cake with additional potential as animal feed, edible mushroom and for enzyme production. For the characterization of fungal genes involved in phorbol ester degradation, together with other industrial applications, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a tool that enables accurate quantification of gene expression. For this, reliable analysis requires reference genes for normalization of mRNA levels validated under conditions employed for target genes. The stability of potential reference genes β-TUB, ACTIN, GAPDH, PHOS, EF1α, TRPHO, LAC, MNP3, MYP and VP were evaluated following growth of P. pulmonarius on toxic, non-toxic jatropha cake and a combined treatment, respectively. NormFinder and geNorm algorithms for expression stability analysis identified PHOS, EF1α and MNP3 as appropriate for normalizing gene expression. Reference gene combinations contrasting in ranking were compared following normalization of relative expression of the CHU_2040 gene, encoding an esterase enzyme potentially involved in phorbol ester degradation. The reference genes for P. pulmonarius will facilitate the elucidation of mechanisms involved in detoxification of phorbol esters as well as analysis of target genes for application in biorefinery models.

Biological and toxicological evaluation of edible Jatropha curcas L. oil

The non-toxic Jatropha curcas flour has been characterized in numerous studies that have demonstrated its nutritional properties and its safe consumption for humans; however, the refined oil has not been characterized biochemically and toxicologically. Its main physicochemical parameters have been determined as well as its fatty acids profile, which showed to be like commercial oils. Its acute toxicity assessment revealed that at a dose of 2000-5000 mg/kg of body weight, the fatty acids were innocuous, indicating its edible grade. Its biological assessment was also performed in rats, using a standard diet, and substituting it with refined and not refined J. curcas oil, without observing differences in weight gain, interference in protein efficiency, and change in liver weight due to the oil consumption, indicating that it is safe as food. Hence, the non-toxic J. curcas seeds of Mexico could be a source of edible oil.

Sustainability Evaluation of Non-Toxic Jatropha curcas in Rural Marginal Soil for Obtaining Biodiesel Using Life-Cycle Assessment

Using information from an experimental planting of non-toxic Jatropha curcas (NTJC) with minimal water and fertilization resources on rural marginal soil the objective of this article is to determine the sustainability of this raw material for producing biodiesel and the possibilities for improving it through life-cycle assessment (LCA). Three production scenarios were studied: minimal resources (MR), which focuses on the obtaining of biodiesel; minimal resources and utilization of sub-products (MRUS), which includes the utilization of the residual products in order to produce food and solid biofuels, as well as biodiesel; and utilization of biofertilizers, flood irrigation, and sub-products (UBIS), which incorporates the use of bio-fertilizers and irrigation in the production system. This study includes the selection of six sustainability indicators, as well as indicators by means of LCA methodology Finally, a sustainability index (SI) for each scenario was determined on the basis of an index of environmental sustainability of energy products (IESEP). Our results indicated that the MR scenario yielded the lowest SI 0.673, while the MRUS scenario had the highest SI 0.956. It concludes that sustainability is greater when it utilizes minimal water and fertilization resources during the raw material production stage, and the residual products are used for food and energy products made possible by the non-toxic properties of Jatropha curcas.

First screening report of immune and protective effect of non-toxic Jatropha vernicosa stem bark against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana leukocytes

In México, the infusion of Jatropha vernicosa stem bark has been used in folk medicine for many clinical situations, but no reports were available about this particular species of Jatropha in fish of mammals. In this first screening report, the phytochemical, antioxidant profile and antimicrobial properties of aqueous J. vernicosa stem bark extract were explored against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an opportunist fish pathogen. To evaluate the cytotoxicity and immunological effect for the possible application of aqueous J. vernicosa stem bark in aquaculture, this study assessed it by using Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana leukocytes. The results showed that phytochemical composition of the J. vernicosa extract was rich in phenol, flavonoid, saponin, and coumarin compounds. The antioxidant capacity of hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities, iron-chelation activity and β-carotene bleaching coupled to linoleic acid showed that J. vernicosa extracts had a moderate antioxidant effect compared with synthetic antioxidants (BHT, BHA and EDTA). No adverse effects were observed on spleen leukocytes (viability > 98%). Interestingly, J. vernicosa stem bark extract has immunostimulant and antioxidant effects, increasing phagocytosis, respiratory burns activity, and nitric oxide production, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Additionally, J. vernicosa extract increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and suppressed anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene expression upon stimuli and V. parahaemolyticus challenge. Finally, the data confirms that J. vernicosa stem bark extract is non-cytotoxic, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects, capable of enhancing the immune system in leukocytes and with great potential to fight against opportunistic diseases, such as vibriosis in fish.

The Sustainable Cultivation of Mexican Nontoxic Jatropha Curcas to Produce Biodiesel and Food in Marginal Rural Lands

The objective of this study is to identify Mexican nontoxic ecotypes of Jatropha curcas with potential for a sustainable agriculture practice to produce biodiesel and food products through a methodology and criteria of sustainability. In a rural region of Morelos state in central México, nine Mexican ecotypes of Jatropha curcas were evaluated in an experimental plantation with minimal water resources and fertilization. The experimental trial was assessed in terms of (1) toxicity, (2) growth and survival of the plants, (3) yield of seed, (4) residual biomass production, (5) oil characteristics for biodiesel production, (6) nutrimental properties of the seeds, and (7) changes in the chemical properties of the soil. Finally, two outstanding nontoxic ecotypes were identified as the most suitable for the establishment of Jatropha curcas crops to produce biodiesel and, at the same time, for food products using the de-oiled endosperm cake, for energy production from the residual biomass and for improvement of soil properties in marginal lands of rural regions of Morelos state.

Experimental Evaluation of 10 Ecotypes of Toxic and Non-Toxic Jatropha curcas as Raw Material to Produce Biodiesel in Morelos State, Mexico

Experimental Evaluation of 10 Ecotypes of Toxic and Non-Toxic Jatropha curcas as Raw Material to Produce Biodiesel in Morelos State, Mexico

High SNP diversity in the non-toxic indigenous Jatropha curcas germplasm widens the potential of this upcoming major biofuel crop species.

Jatropha curcas (jatropha) is an oil crop cultivated in (sub)tropical regions around the world, and holds great promise as a renewable energy source. However, efforts to fully commercialize jatropha are currently hampered by the lack of genetic diversity in the extant breeding germplasm, and by the toxicity of its seeds meaning that its seed cake cannot be used as a protein source in animal feed, among other constraints. In Mexico, the species' native range, there are jatropha plants whose seeds are used to prepare traditional meals. This non-toxic jatropha 'type' is considered to harbour low genetic variation due to a presumed domestication bottleneck and therefore to be of limited breeding value; yet, very little is known regarding its origin and genetic diversity. Using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), we extensively genotyped both indigenous toxic and non-toxic jatropha collected along roads and home gardens throughout southern Mexico. Single nucleotide polymorphism diversity in non-toxic jatropha is relatively high, particularly in northern Veracruz state, the probable origin of this germplasm. Genetic differences between toxic and non-toxic indigenous genotypes are overall quite small. A a genome-wide association study supported a genomic region (on LG 8, scaffold NW_012130064), probably involved in the suppression of seed toxicity. Conservation actions are urgently needed to preserve this non-toxic indigenous, relatively wild germplasm, having potential as a fuel feedstock, animal feed and food source among other uses. More generally, this work demonstrates the value of conservation genomic research on the indigenous gene pool of economically important plant species.

Energy and environmental sustainability of Jatropha‐Biofuels Chain from nontoxic accessions in Cameroon

A Jatropha‐biofuel chain was organized in the north‐west of Cameroon. The aim of the project was to implement an integrated biofuel chain, based on nontoxic Jatropha cultivation, which could provide vegetable oil for energy use instead of fossil fuel and, contemporary supply cake protein for the rural population. The main objective of this study was to quantify the cumulative energy demand (CED) and global warming potential (GHG) in obtaining Jatropha vegetable oil (JVO) as biofuel in comparison with conventional diesel fuel adopting the Life Cycle Analysis method (ISO 14040, ISO 14044). Adopting both Well‐to‐Wheel or Well‐to‐Tank value of diesel fossil fuel as reference, a significant reduction in energy required and greenhouse gas emissions would be obtained by JVO utilization with respect to the fossil fuel. The utilization of a nontoxic Jatropha curcas accession is very positive, as it ensures greater protection of human health with respect to the toxic accessions. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 305–314, 2019

Traditional uses and seed chemical composition of Jatropha spp. (Euphorbiaceae) in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, México

Jatropha spp. plants are used in traditional medicine, food and for the elaboration of biofuel. The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve in México holds genetic richness and endemism for this genus, but the specific use of the plants and the seed chemical profiles are still unknown. The objectives of this research were to record the traditional forms of use of Jatropha species, and to analyze the chemical composition of Jatropha spp. seeds. For this, a semi-structured survey was conducted in 15 towns, and 20 interviews were applied in each one between May and August 2012. Data allowed to estimate the Significant Use Level and Relative Use Value per species. Besides, seeds from J. neopauciflora, J. rufescens, and J. rzedowskii were collected between August and October 2013, and to seed flour samples we determined total lipids by the Soxhlet method, crude protein by the Kjendahl method, and ashes according to AOAC methods; fatty acid profile and phorbol esters were determined by gas chromatography and by HPLC, respectively. We recorded that the species J. neopauciflora, J. oaxacana, J. rufescens, J. ciliata, and J. rzedowskii, are used as traditional medicine, food, and ornaments, except for J. ciliata, for which none use was recorded. The Significant Use Level as food was found not significant, but for medicinal purposes, J. neopauciflora obtained the highest Relative Use Value (9.0 %). The latex is used to treat 13 disorders, including dental problems (toothache, sensitivity, caries), oral diseases (oral herpes, gingivitis, and oral candidiasis) with a Significant Use Level of 32.9 %; it is also used as a hemostatic. The protein content among species varied from 23.37 to 26.06 %, and total lipids from 34.79 to 36.60 %. The principal unsaturated fatty acids were oleic (25.08 to 30.09 %) and linoleic (44.55 to 48.46 %), and the saturated fatty acids were palmitic (10.11 to 16.50 %) and stearic (9.47 to 11.15 %). Phorbol esters, the main cause of seed’s toxicity, were absent in J. neopauciflora, J. rufescens, and J. rzedowskii. In conclusion, the Significant Use Level of Jatropha species studied was low, with little cultural acceptance and sporadic utilization. The Relative Use Value was important for medicinal purposes, especially for J. neopauciflora. The dehulled seeds of J. neopauciflora, J. rufescens, and J. rzedowskii are potentially useful as food, having high protein contents, and unsaturated oleic and linoleic fatty acids. With this study we report three non-toxic Jatropha species and recommend to scientifically validate the antimycotic use of J. neopauciflora latex.

Proteomic analysis of non-toxic Jatropha curcas byproduct cake: Fractionation and identification of the major components

Jatropha curcas non-toxic genotypes have been reported in Mexico and the press-cake, after oil extraction, represents a potential of new source of protein for food and feed uses. However, the characterization of the press-cake proteins is still unknown. The aim of this work was to carry out the molecular characterization of J. curcas seed storage proteins. Proteins in press-cake were pre-fractionated according to the classical Osborne procedure. Main protein fraction in J. curcas cake was represented by glutelins, the electrophoretic analysis showed that glutelins and globulins have the same profile, indicating that oil extraction process could have effect on globulins agglomeration. Protein fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, results provide a new dataset of protein species or proteoforms that are accumulated in J. curcas endosperm. The identification of toxic proteins such as curcin in the non-toxic variety could represent that this protein have important roles in seeds. Regulatory proteins such as proteasome subunits and 14-3-3 were identified. A group of different heat shock and stress defense protein species was detected. Proteases related with inhibitory activity against DPPIV were also detected; this could support the potential use of J. curcas cake as nutraceutical food.

Textural, chemical and sensorial properties of maize tortillas fortified with nontoxic Jatropha curcas L. flour

ABSTRACTHunger and malnutrition still affecting part of the Mexican population, for whom the tortilla is a staple food. However, maize tortillas are high in calories but deficient in proteins; therefore, studies have been conducted to fortify tortillas, with protein-rich nonconventional sources. This study examines the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of dough and maize tortillas fortified with nontoxic Jatropha curcas flour. Fortified maize doughs were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% J. curcas nontoxic flour, which contains 55% protein. Tortillas were made and their chemical profile and tortilla quality were quantified and subjected to sensorial analysis. Rheological characteristics of dough were slightly modified but the protein in the tortillas increased 10.8% with treatment T20. They did not change in color, were soft, and consumer acceptance was not affected. It is concluded that nontoxic J. curcas flour is an excellent option for increasing the protein value of tortillas.

English

The plant, jatropha has attracted worldwide attention for its high oil content. The use of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate and quantify, for the first time, the phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) and lower inositol phosphates (tri-, tetra- and penta-phosphates; IP6, IP5, IP4 and IP3) in toxic and non-toxic (NT) Jatropha curcas seeds from different locations in Mexico was proposed. There are reports on the total phytic acids but the method of precipitation used was not specific to distinguish between the phytic acid (IP6) and its hydrolysis products; therefore, this technique underestimates the IP6 content. It was observed that the total inositol concentration is independent on the presence or absence of phorbolesters (PE). The analysis showed that the toxic seeds from Villaflores and Chiapa de Corzo had high concentrations of total IP (46.2 and 42.5 mg/g, respectively) but the NT seeds from Huitzilan is the highest (56.88 mg/g) followed by Pueblillo (41.427 mg/g), Cuautla (37.832 mg/g) and Xochitlan (35.868 mg/g) showed higher values of IP. Finally, the toxic seeds from Coatzacoalcos (22.5 mg/g) showed lower value. This is the first work showing the different inositol phosphates present in jatropha seed samples, highlighting the presence of hexaphosphate acid as the major component. Key words: Phytic acid, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), anti-nutrients, phytates, IP5, IP6, hexaphosphate.

Enzymatic Phorbol Esters Degradation using the Germinated Jatropha Curcas Seed Lipase as Biocatalyst: Optimization Process Conditions by Response Surface Methodology

Utilization of Jatropha curcas seed cake is limited by the presence of phorbol esters (PE), which are the main toxic compound and heat stable. The objective of this research was to optimize the reaction conditions of the enzymatic PE degradation of the defatted Jatropha curcas seed cake (DJSC) using the acetone-dried lipase from the germinated Jatropha curcas seeds as a biocatalyst. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using three-factors-three-levels Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of the reaction time, the ratio of buffer volume to DJSC, and the ratio of enzyme to DJSC on PE degradation. The results showed that the optimum conditions of PE degradation were 29.33 h, 51.11 : 6 (mL/g), and 30.10 : 5 (U/g cake) for the reaction time, the ratio of buffer volume to DJSC, and the ratio of enzyme to DJSC, respectively. The predicted degradation of PE was 98.96% and not significantly different with the validated data of PE degradation. PE content was 0.035 mg/g, in which it was lower than PE in non-toxic Jatropha seeds. The results indicated that enzymatic degradation of PE might be a promising method for degradation of PE.

Jatropha curcas and assisted phytoremediation of a mine tailing with biochar and a mycorrhizal fungus

ABSTRACTSoil pollution is an important ecological problem worldwide. Phytoremediation is an environmental-friendly option for reducing metal pollution. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the growth and physiological response, metal uptake, and the phytostabilization potential of a nontoxic Jatropha curcas L. genotype when grown in multimetal-polluted conditions. Plants were established on a mine residue (MR) amended or not amended with corn biochar (B) and inoculated or not inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Acaulospora sp. (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, AMF). J. curcas was highly capable of growing in an MR and showed no phytotoxic symptoms. After J. curcas growth (105 days), B produced high desorption of Cd and Pb from the MR; however, no increases in metal shoot concentrations were observed. Therefore, Jatropha may be useful for phytostabilization of metals in mine tailings. The use of B is recommended because improved MR chemical properties conduced to plant growth (cation-exchange capacity, organic matter content, essential nutrients, electrical conductivity, water-holding capacity) and plant growth development (higher biomass, nutritional and physiological performance). Inoculation with an AMF did not improve any plant growth or physiological plant characteristic. Only higher Zn shoot concentration was observed, but it was not phytotoxic. Future studies of B use and its long-term effect on MR remediation should be conducted under field conditions.

Feeding value of nontoxic Jatropha curcas seed cake for partially replacing dry-rolled corn and soybean meal in lambs fed finishing diets

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of partial replacement of dietary dry-rolled corn (DRC) and soybean meal (SBM) in isonitrogenous diets with different levels (0, 70, 140, and 210g/kg) of seed cake obtained from a nontoxic variety of Jatropha curcas on growth performance, dietary energetics, plasma metabolites, carcass characteristics, and visceral mass in 32 Pelibuey×Katahdin lambs. Jatropha seed cake (JSC) was obtained by mechanically pressing whole seed and contained 262g/kg crude protein (CP), 473g/kg neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom), 402g/kg acid detergent fiber (ADF), 7g/kg starch, 60g/kg ether extract, and 938g/kg of organic matter. The JSC substitution decreased linearly (P=0.02) final weight and average daily gain but did not affect (P=0.47) dry matter intake (DMI), thus efficiency of gain was decreased (P<0.01). In all treatments, the concentration of hemoglobin, haematocrit, glucose, creatinine, urea, and lipase was within normal ranges for healthy ruminants. Inclusion of JSC in diet did not affect dressing percentage and non-carcass fat deposition, but decreased (P=0.03) hot carcass weight and fat depth. As level of JSC inclusion increased, the muscle and fat composition of shoulder (as g/100g of shoulder weight) was affected, muscle increased (P<0.01) and fat decreased (P=0.02). Replacing corn and SBM with JSC did not affect empty body weight (EBW, as percentage of full weight) or the organ weights as a proportion of EBW (g/kg EBW). Increased JSC levels in the diet tended to increase visceral fat (P=0.06). The net energy (NE) value of JSC corresponds closely to its chemical composition (∼7.74MJ/kg NEm/kg), this NE value decreased linearly as the inclusion level of JSC increased as result of the removal of starch instead of NDF in diets and by the possible associative effects of JSC with other components of the diet. The changes of energy level and energy source (NDF and lipids instead of starch) by the replacement of corn and SBM by JSC, can affect the deposition of body fat. Based on DMI and performance observed in this study, nontoxic JSC is a suitable substitute for a portion of the DRC and SBM in a finishing diet; however, at high levels, it tends to decrease growth performance of lambs.

Enhancing indigenous lipase activity of germinated Jatropha curcas L. Seeds for the enzymatic degradation of phorbol ester

Both the unique substrate specificity of plant lipases and the enzymatic degradation of phorbol esters (PE) have not been studied extensively. The objectives of the research were to improve the indigenous lipase activity of germinated Jatropha seeds and its specificity in the enzymatic PE degradation. Factors that influence the lipase activity of germinated seeds, such as, the effect of the soaking buffer pH, soaking time, growing stage, and aeration during soaking were evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of the growing stage, reaction time, and the amount of enzymes on PE degradation were also evaluated. Results show that stress conditions by changing the soaking buffer pH from neutral into slightly acidic or alkaline conditions inhibited seed germination but induced the lipase production. The highest lipase activity was obtained from growing stage 4, in which the seeds were soaked at pH 6 for 12 h without aeration. Aeration reduced lipase activity about 19.5 times. On the other hand, PE was degraded during germination. The highest activity of germinated seed lipase for PE degradation was also obtained from growing stage 4. Degradation of PE in the Jatropha cake using 10 U for 12 h was enough to fulfil the requirement of a non-toxic Jatropha seed cake.

Effects of Seed Weight and Substrate on Germination and Growth of Non-toxic Jatropha curcas L. Seedings

Aims: We characterized the responses of non-toxic seedlings ofJatropha curcasL. to variation in seedweight and substrate during their germinat ion and growth. Study Design: Two analytical experiments using a randomized controlled trial approach were applied to consider the effects of seed weight and substrate. Place and Duration of Study:Non-toxic seeds from the east coast of Mexico were selected during two consecutive years and their seedlings were studied during one month after emergence. Methodology: The seeds were grouped into different weight categories (400 -499 -800

Potential treatments to reduce phorbol esters levels in jatropha seed cake for improving the value added product

Jatropha seed cake contains high amounts of protein and other nutrients, however it has a drawback due to toxic compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the methods applied to detoxify the main toxin, phorbol esters in jatropha seed cake, to a safe and acceptable level by maintaining the nutritional values. Phorbol esters are tetracyclic diterpenoids-polycyclic compounds that are known as tumor promoters and hence exhibited the toxicity within a broad range of species. Mismanagement of the jatropha waste from jatropha oil industries would lead to contamination of the environment, affecting living organisms and human health through the food chain, so several methods were tested for reducing the toxicity of the seed cake. The results from this investigation showed that heat treatments at either 120°C or 220°C for 1 hour and then mixing with adsorbing bentonite (10%), nanoparticles of zinc oxide (100 μg/g) plus NaHCO3 at 4%, followed by a 4-week incubation period yielded the best final product. The remaining phorbol esters concentration (0.05–0.04 mg/g) from this treatment was less than that reported for the nontoxic jatropha varieties (0.11–0.27 mg/g). Nutritional values of the seed cake after treatment remained at the same levels found in the control group and these values were crude protein (20.47–21.40 + 0.17–0.25%), crude lipid (14.27–14.68 + 0.13–0.14%) and crude fiber (27.33–29.67 + 0.58%). A cytotoxicity test conducted using L929 and normal human dermal fibroblast cell lines confirmed that most of the toxic compounds, especially phorbol esters, were shown as completely eliminated. The results suggested that the detoxification of phorbol esters residues in the jatropha seed cake was possible while it also retained nutritional values. Therefore, the methods to detoxify phorbol esters are necessary to minimize the toxicity of jatropha seed cake. Further, it is essential to reduce the possible environmental impacts that may be generated throughout the jatropha waste-handling process. However additional tests such as digestibility as well as acceptability of the treated jatropha seed cake should be conducted using both in vivo and in vitro studies before recommending the jatropha seed cake as a source of renewable animal feed and other value-added products.

The Mexican Non-toxic Jatropha curcas L., Food Resource or Biofuel?

Jatropha curcas L. is a promising natural resource which has been promoted globally for biodiesel production by policy makers and researchers in tropical and subtropical countries. However, both J. curcas seeds and oil have been found to be toxic to humans and domestic animals when consumed. A non-toxic genotype of J. curcas has been reported from some rural communities in southern Mexico, and is suitable for human consumption. This non-toxic germplasm has been used in traditional Totonacan cuisine in Mexico. However, increasing demand for J. curcas to be used in biofuel production is exerting pressure on the non-toxic genotype. In this work we analyze the possible origins and dispersal of non-toxic Jatropha by the Totonaca culture; the traditional uses of J. curcas seeds as a food; its status with respect to the Mexican commercial forestry regulations; and the risks associated with the demands of biofuels on this Mexican germplasm. Jatropha curcas is a promising natural resource which has been promoted for biodiesel production by policy makers and researchers in tropical and subtropical countries globally. However, both J. curcas seeds and oil have been found to be toxic to humans and domestic animals when consumed. A non-toxic genotype of J. curcas has been reported from some communities in southern Mexico , and is suitable for human consumption. This non-toxic germplasm has been used traditionally in Mexico to prepare a variety of dishes. However, increasing demand for J. curcas to be used in biofuel production is exerting pressure on the non-toxic genotype. In this work we analyze the possible origins and dispersal of non-toxic Jatropha by the Totonaca culture; the traditional uses of J. curcas seeds as a food; its status with respect to the Mexican commercial forestry regulations; and the risks associated with the demands of biofuels on this Mexican germplasm .