The physico-chemical properties of the seed and seed oil of Jatropha curcas L.

The physico-chemical properties of the seed and seed oil of Jatropha curcas were assessed by standard methods. The seed contains 50.50% crude oil of iodine value 103.64; 14.78% protein, 4.74% moisture, 3.33% carbohydrate, 12.25% ash and 3.50% fibre. The physico-chemical analysis of the oil indicated a saponification value of 193.55; acid value, 1.41, peroxide value 12.60, unsaponifiable matter, 1.60 ; free fatty acid 2.87% ; specific gravity, 0.94. The fatty acid composition of the seed oil was determined by GLC. Lauric, myristic, paimitic, stearic and oleic acids were found.