AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Jatropha oil is produced from the seeds of the Jatropha curcas, a plant that can grow in wastelands across India, and the oil is considered to be an excellent source of bio-diesel.

Detailed explanation-2: -Jatropha Curcas is a low-cost biodiesel feedstock with good fuel properties and more oil than other species.

Detailed explanation-3: -In India, there is a vast potential for the production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas (called Jangli arandi in Hindi and Kattukkotai in Tamil) and Pongamia pinnata (The Indian Beech called Karanj in Hindi and Pungai in Tamil) as they occur in plenty in forests and wastelands.

Detailed explanation-4: -Traditionally this plant is used for treating dysentery and diarrhea. J. curcas has been known for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The latex of Jatropha contains an alkaloid known as “Jatrophine” which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.