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ABSTRACT
In this study, the elemental composition of Jatropha Curcas leaves and its stem bark that was collected from mayor street in Bori, were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result revealed the presence of Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn). The result showed that Potassium had the highest concentration value (12,2896,mg/l),followed by sodium (1,289.12mg/l), followed by Calcium with a concentration value of (662.24 mg/l) followed by Magnesium with a concentration value of (520.17mg/l), followed by Iron with a concentration value of (30.28mg/l) Zinc had the least concentration value of (13.32mg/l) in the stem bark of Jatropha Curcas. The elemental concentration of Jatropha Curcas, leaf potassium had the highest concentration value of (14,444.0mg/l) followed by sodium with a value of (1,074.51mg/l) followed by Calcium with a concentration value of (664.14mg/l) folloed by Magnesium with a value of (537.37), followed by Iron with a value of (75.89mg/l) and Zinc with a value of (23.59mg/l). Comparing the individual elemental concentration of Iron in stem bark and leave of Jatropha Curcas, it was observed that for zinc, the leaf had a higher concentration than stem bark (23.59gm/l > 13.32mg/l). The work therefore recommended that these stem bark and leaf be consumed in limited quantity so as to a avoid bioaccumulation, which in turn could had to damage of vital organs like the brain, kidney, liver, heart etc. or even death.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Jatropha curcas or Nettlespurage is a non-edible multipurpose shrub (Jiang et al, 2012; Atamgba et al, 2015). It is a medicinal herb that is a member of the plant family euphorbiaceae, and an uncultivated no-food wild species with branched and erect parts growing up to 6m in height and predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Liu et al., 2002; Saetae and suntornsul, 2010; Atamgba et al., 2015).
Recently, there is an increasing use of J. curcas in the management of diabetes and other carbohydrate metabolic related syndromes other ethno medical use of the extract of J. carcus leaves include use as a remedy for cancer, as an abortifacient, antiseptic (Dalziel, 2005, Mishra et al., 2010; Nwamarah et al., 2015). Jatropha curcas leaves have been observed to be consumed by people with many ailments traditionally including diabetes mellitus in the north east of Nigeria without scientific explanation.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The plant kingdom is a treasure house of potential drugs and in recent years there has been an increasing consciousness about the potency of medicinal plant. Drugs from the plants are easily accessible. Inexpensive, safe, efficient and have fewer side effects. (Shakoor et al., 2013)
According to World health Organization (WHO) more than 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicines for their primary health care requirements since time immemorial plants and their parts (bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds etc.) have been essential element of phytomediciens (Criagg and David, 2001; Shakoor et al., 2013).
Medicinal plants have been used as a source of medicine to treat illness since time immemorial for a long time, plants have provided a source of emerging modern medicines have provided a source of emerging modern medicines have made large contributions to human health. Their role is two fold in the development of new drugs (Iwu; 2003; Reddy et al., 2012). Active compound present in the medicinal plant provide the bountiful resource of active compound for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries and more recently in agriculture for pest control (Rice, 2005; Reddy et al.; 2012).
The chemical compounds present in herbal product are a part of the physiological functions of living organisms and hence they are believed to have better compatibility with the human body (Kharna et al.; 2006; Reddy et al; 2012). Medical plants like Jatropha Curcas have played major role in the treatment of various disease, including bacterial and fungal infections (Reddy et al., 2012).
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Soil pollution by heavy metal is a global problem with ramification to humans, animals, and environmental health. An increase in heavy metal pollution has long been associated with population growth, fuelled by industrial advancement. Plants have been reported to have high accumulation rate of these heavy metals in them, due to the pollution of their growing site by these heavy metals like Ca,Na,Fe,Zn,Mg,K etc.
1.3 AIM/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.3.1 AIM:
In this present study an attempt will be made to investigate the proportion of some selected elements present in the leaves and stem of Jatropha Curcas.
1.3.2 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are to:
- Ascertain the presence of mineral elements in Jatropha Carcus (Magic plant).
- To evaluate the accumulation level of these mineral element in Jatropha Carcus also known as magic plant.
- To ascertain its medicinal, nutritional, economic role to man.
- To proffer relevant recommendation based on the findings of the study.
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses only on the elemental composition of the stem (bark) and leaf of Jatropha Curcas as a magic plant.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Jatropha Carcus is a medicinal plant that has been unknown to the public. Facts and information’s obtained from this study would serve as an eye – opener to the member of the populace on the mineral composition resident in Jatropha Carcus and its medicinal importance. Also this study would serve as a baseline information to upcoming researchers who would wish to undertake a study on Jatrohpa Curcas (magic plant).
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study on the elemental composition of Jatropha Curcas is limited to the analysis of the elemental (mineral) composition of the leaves and stem (bark) of Jatropha Curcas known generally as magic plant.