Non-edible seed oils can be a vast source of non-renewable energy in the near future. This perspective has received global interest owing to the world climatic changes. In an attempt to overcome the problem, scientists are exploring the possibilities of non-edible seed oils in multiple arenas. This also brings employment opportunities to the rural community. It helps in elevating environmental merits as well. We can thus avoid the monoculture of fuel-resources.
This article will provide insights on multiple commercial uses of non-edible seed oils with primary focus on castor oil products.
Benefits and commercial uses of castor oil
Castor oil has a pale-yellow color. It is extracted from the castor-seeds. Since it is non-edible, it has found multiple uses in the commercial arena. For ages, castor oil products have been used for therapeutic purposes. The benefits are mainly due to the high-concentration of its unsaturated fatty-acids. Castor oil has a very strong odor and an unpleasant bitter taste. Castor oil is largely used in cosmetics, soap-making, textiles and medicines. It is an excellent massage oil. Many everyday products can be derived from castor oil. Castor oil has become a brand name in the pharmaceutical industry.
Potentials of methyl ester
Fatty-acid methyl ester (FAME) can be derived from castor oil. It is synthesized by a procedure called methanolysis. The procedure is catalyzed by sodium-methoxide. FAME in its purest form might be a tad unsuitable as a biofuel. Thus, when blended with diesel, it becomes an excellent organic fuel. The lubricity of methyl ester has positive synergistic effects. The wear-and-tear factors remain lower than usual.
Potentials of ricinoleic acid
Castor oil, having a rich concentration of ricinoleic acid, acts as an excellent humectant. It moisturizes our skin to the core. Humectants are known to retain moisture of the outer layer of our skin. The presence of ricinoleic acid prevents water-loss. Thus, castor oil promotes skin-hydration and is extensively used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The absence of harmful chemicals and preservatives makes it an ideal skincare product.
Potentials of hydrogenated castor oil
Interestingly, hydrogenated castor oil has been found to be soluble in both oil & water. Thus, it has foam enhancing property. It is an ideal liquid cleanser. It’s softening and soothing qualities makes it a good hair-care product. As surfactants, hydrogenated oils decrease surface tension between solids & liquids. Further, hydrogenated castor oil removes the greasy feel from oils. It forms a hydrated layer on the outer surface of skin thereby being a barrier against moisture-loss.
Potentials of Turkey red oil
Turkey red oil is a good organic manure. Used in textiles and as surfactants, it has umpteen commercial uses. It is an excellent wetting agent. Turkey red oil is also used in the paper industries for de-foaming purposes. The oil acts as an emulsifier in cosmetics. It is a good lubricant and finds uses in inks & paints.
Potentials of organic cold pressed castor oil
Organic cold pressed castor oil is immensely used as a laxative. This derivative of pure castor oil has wound healing properties. A mixture of Peru balsam and castor oil is a very prominent ointment. Its environment-friendly nature reduces any risk of infections. It also diminishes cornification & dryness.
Benefits and commercial uses of Jatropha
Jatropha belongs to Euphorbiaceous family. The species originated in the tropical regions of America. But now it has spread over tropics and sub-tropics of Africa and Asia. Throughout the tropics, over 1,000,000 hectares of the species have already propagated.
Potentials of Jatropha
The species has varied uses. Jatropha-seed oil has immense potential as an organic biofuel. It has capabilities in the production of jet-fuels. The wood, fruits and leaves of Jatropha are being used as firewood by the rural community. The major industrial applications of Jatropha have started grabbing eyeballs in the recent past. Preparation of cosmetics and soaps is amongst the primary commercial uses of Jatropha. Fishing net preparation and dyeing clothes are other major uses. Jatropha has traditionally been recognized as a medicinal plant. Therapeutic compounds obtained from Jatropha seeds have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, healing & anti-cancer properties. Jatropha can also be used for soil-erosion control.
Benefits and commercial uses of neem-seed oil
Neem-seed oil may vary in color. The color depends on the no. of days the seeds have been soaked in water. The color could be golden-yellow, reddish brown or yellowish brown. The odor is very strong. It is even stronger than the combined odor of garlic and peanut. Neem oil has antiseptic, antifungal uses. It has excellent pest control properties.
Potentials of neem oil
Neem oil finds uses in hair products, soaps and body-hygiene creams. Neem-oil is excellent as a lamp oil. Neem seed oil can even find its uses in head and neck cancer chemotherapy. This is made possible because of the compound called cisplastin. Neem oil is an excellent bio-pesticide. It repels pests like beet army worm, aphids, mealy bug and cabbage worm. It also keeps away locusts and mushroom flies.
Benefits and uses of Karanji oil
Karanji oil is derived from seeds of Millettia Pinnata species. The plant is a native to temperate and tropical Asia. The seeds of this plant are mostly cultivated in the spring season.
Potentials of Karanji
Karanji oil has found extensive uses as a lamp oil. It is used in leather tanning as well. In the cosmetic industry, it can be used in the soap-making process. Karanji oil is being used as a lubricant for thousands of years now. Karanji oil has a disagreeable odor and a sheer bitter taste. The medicinal properties of Karanji seed oil are hard to ignore. It is traditionally used in treating liver disease and skin infections. Scientists are doing extensive research in converting Karanji oil into a biofuel. The outcome has been an astounding success. It meets ASTM D6751 biofuel standards.
To conclude
Non-edible seed oils are finding commercial uses due to their environment-friendly nature. Scientists are emphasizing on their usage. They’re keen on discarding non-renewable resources due to their scarcity. Non-edible seed oils remain low on chemicals and therefore promote overall goodness and well-being.
