The subacute toxicity test of biodiesel from Jatropha seed oil in rats

Abstract

Sa-boo-dam tree or Jatropha curcas L. is known as a toxic plant especially its seeds. Jatropha seeds can be a promising source for biodiesel production. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of biodiesel from Jatropha seed oil as a renewable energy. The oral subacute toxicity test (30 days) of biodiesel from Jatropha seed oil was conducted in six groups of Wistar rats (n = 120). Biodiesel that made from Jatropha seed oil was prepared by process No.1 of Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR). The results demonstrated that after oral administration of test substance at dose 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg for 30 days, the test substance did not affect body weight gain, behavior or general health of the animals It did not produce cumulative toxic signs and fatal effects. The hematological and clinical blood chemistry profiles of all animal were in normal range. Test substance did not cause any histopathological alteration of the visceral organs in any group of rats. In conclusion, the biodiesel from Jatropha seed oil produced by process No.1 of TISTR has provided a safety tendency for using as a future alternative energy