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Toxicological studies on ratanjyot oil
V M Gandhi1, K M Cherian, M J Mulky
1Environmental Safety Laboratory, Hindustan Lever Ltd, Chakala, Andheri (East), Bombay, India.
Summary
Ratanjyot (Jatropha curcas) oil is toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal issues and skin irritation. Its potent toxins, including phorbol esters, necessitate detoxification for safe use in medicine or industry.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Jatropha curcas (Ratanjyot) oil has traditional uses but limited toxicity data.
- The oil contains phorbol esters, known for their toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of Ratanjyot oil and its components.
- To determine the safety of Ratanjyot oil for medicinal and industrial applications.
Main Methods:
- Proximate analysis of kernels and physicochemical characterization of oil.
- Isolation and testing of a toxic phorbol ester fraction.
- Acute oral toxicity (LD50) in rats and dermal toxicity in rabbits and mice.
- Hemolytic activity assay.
Main Results:
- Jatropha curcas kernels contain 52% oil with toxic phorbol esters.
- The oil's acute oral LD50 in rats was 6 ml/kg, causing GI inflammation.
- The isolated toxic fraction caused severe skin irritation, necrosis, and was lethal in mice.
- Both oil and toxic fraction exhibited hemolytic activity.
Conclusions:
- Ratanjyot oil possesses significant oral and dermal toxicity due to phorbol esters.
- Complete detoxification is crucial before considering Ratanjyot oil for human medicine or industrial use.