Abstract

The physical characteristics of Egyptian Jatropha curcas seeds were studied. The average of whole seed mass, kernel weight, shell weight, percentage kernel mass of whole seeds and percentage shell mass of whole seeds were 0.69, 0.47, 0.22, 68.12 g and 31.88% respectively. Chemical composition proved that J. curcasseeds are a good source of protein (32.88%), oil (27.36%) and carbohydrates (30.11%). The seeds are rich in various micro-elements, that is Mn, Fe, and Zn which recorded 28.37, 0.38 and 47.13 mg/kg, respectively as well as macro-elements, that is, K, Ca, Na, Mg and P, which recorded 103.13, 34.21, 8.44, 109.89 and 185.17 mg/kg respectively. The seeds contain 52.59 mg/100 g, 25.58 mg/g, 39.95 mg/100 g and 1.51 g/100 g of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor activity, total phenols and saponins, respectively. Therefore, it could be inferred that the seeds is nutritionally promising because of its high nutrient content and low antinutrient level. The effect of some physical  treatments (soaking, germination and roasting) and some chemical treatments (NaHCO₃, ethanol extraction and NaOH) were successful inactivating the antinutrients.

Key words: Jatropha curcas, nutrient, antinutrient, mineral content, chemical composition.