1.1 Introduction
Jatropha curcas leaves or physic nut is a drought resistant large shrub or small tree, belonging to the Jenus Euphorbiaceae, producing oil containing seeds (Jangschaap et al., 2007). Jatropha curcas leaves, is the commonest species found in Nigeria, but many species exist in different part of the world. It is a multipurpose drought resistant tree and can be cultivated in areas of low rainfall (Pratt et al., 2002).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Today about 80% of the world’s population rely predominantly on plants and plant extracts for healthcare (Setzer et al., 2006). Jatropha is a genus of over 170 plants from the Euphorbiceaus family commonly found and utilized across most of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among the different species of jatropha, a Jatropha curcas leaf has a wide range of uses and promising various significant benefits to human and industry. It has a yield per hectare of more than four times that of soybeans and ten times of corn. Jatropha is suitable for quick and efficient domestication compared with other woody species (Achten et al., 2010).
Jatropha curcas (Linnaeus) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is closely related to other important cultivated plants like rubber tree and castor etc. Because of its indispensible benefits to mankind it was classified among the first plant in 1753 with a Botanical name “jatropha” from a Greek word Jatro “meaning Doctor” and pha “meaning nutrition”. The plant is believed to be an origin of South America and Africa but later spread to other continents of the world by the Portuguese settlers (Gubitz et al., 1999). According to Mike, Jatropha has both male and female plants, which may produce different yields of nuts (Mike, 2008). This plant is of different varieties which include, Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Ife-Nigeria, non-toxic Mexican varieties (Singh et al., 2008).
The growing interest in Jatropha curcas as a biodiesel to help alleviate the energy crisis and generate income in rural areas of developing countries make people call it “miracle tree”, according to Mike (2008). It was found in research work on renewable energy that in Nigeria Jatropha is called several names by different tribes Binidazugu or lakwa-lakwa in Hausa, Oriokwu in Igbo, Lapalapa in Yoruba, Muaayiin Gbagyi, Kasha in Nupe, Ebe’bro in Yala (Bugaje et al., 2011). Hence, this study is focused on the proximate analysis and elemental composition of Jatropha curcas seed to ascertain its usefulness in the production of energy.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Antifungal Activity and Mineral Composition of Jatropha-curcas leaves.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Since the late 19th century, awareness of systemic infections by Coccidiodes immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum, have led to efforts in finding effective treatment for these mycoses. With time, further development of improved antifungals in terms of efficacy and less toxicity to the host cells were made. The major breakthrough in antifungal drug development was ketoconazole released in the late 1970s. This however did not remove, absolutely, the problems encountered with the use of chemical drug formulations. The increasing prevalence of serious mycoses coupled with the frequent use of antifungal drugs currently available, has resulted in rising resistance of fungal pathogens to antifungal agents (Hitchcock, 1993 and Rex et al., 1995).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Antifungal Activity and Mineral Composition of Jatropha-curcas leaves. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the ash content, moisture content, protein, carbohydrate, fibre and lipid present in jatropha curcas leaves.
- To analyze the quantity of some mineral elements in the Jatropha-curcas leaves.
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Antifungal Activity and Mineral Composition of Jatropha-curcas leaves in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
