OA20292A - Jatropha curcas processing methods and products. - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for preparing a food or feed composition from J. curcas is disclosed. The method involves adding an acidified aqueous solution to J. curcas components, to a final pH of between 1 and 5, incubating the acidified mixture for a period for a period of at least 1 hour, and centrifuging the incubated mixture to separate the mixture into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing soluble acid-extracted components and breakdown products, and (iii) a substantially detoxified solid cake which forms or is used in forming the food or feed composition. The acidified aqueous solution added may be acidified olive vegetation water having a ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. Also disclosed are a food or feed composition, and oil and aqueous fractions formed by the method.

Description

JATROPHA CURCAS PROCESSING METHOD AND PRODUCTS

Field of the invention

[0001 ] The présent invention relates to a method for processing Jatropha curcas plants and products formed by the processing method.

Backqround of the Invention

[0002] Jatropha curcas L is a multipurpose shrub of significant économie importance because of its several potential industrial and médicinal uses. Jatropha curcas L. or physic nut (or purging nut) is a drought résistant large shrub or small tree, belonging to the genus Euphorbiaceae, producing oil containing seeds. The species has its naturel distribution area in the Northeastern part of South America. (Relier, 1996) and central Africa and several countries in Asia. The seeds of physic nut are a good source of oil, which can be used as a diesel substitute. They are used also in medicines, and soap and cosmetics manufacture in various tropical countries.

[0003] The fruit of J. curcas is green/yellow when fresh and contains seed. The seed and seed products of J. curcas are potentially a source of high nutritional value, e.g., as animal feed. The levels of essential amino acids, except lysine, in the seed cake are higher than that of the FAO/WHO reference protein for a five year old child in ail the meal samples on a dry matter basis. The major fatty acids found in the oil samples were oleic (41.5— 48.8%), linoleic (34.6-44.4%), palmitic (10.5-13.0%) and stearic (2.3-2.8%) acids. The residual protein-rich seed cake, remaining after extraction of the oil, could form a protein-rich ingrédient in feeds for poultry, pigs, cattle and even fish if it could be detoxified.

[0004] Like the oil, the seed cake is toxic and therefore only suitable as animal feed after processing. The toxicity of J. curcas is based on several components (phorbol esters, curcains, trypsin inhibitors and others) which make complété détoxification a complicated process. Détoxification has been successful at laboratory scale (Gross et al.,16 1997; Martinez Herrera et al., 2006), but since the process is complicated, it is not suitable for small scale and local use. Large scale feed production, however, has to compete on a global market with high quality demande. Therefore, détoxification must be complété, constant and guaranteed, and is thus expected to be expensive. Hence, a successful pénétration of J. curcas seed cake as feed to the market at a profitable price seems doubtful.

[0005] Toxic components. The main toxic components are phorbol esters, although in Mexico accessions without, or with low content of phorbol esters hâve been found (Rivera Lorca & Ku Vera, 1997; Martinez Herrera et al., 2006; Basha & Sujatha, 2007). The seed cake of this so called 'non' or 'low' toxic variety might be suitable for use as animal feed, but it still contains minor quantities of toxic components and résistance on the io feed market towards this product is to be expected.

[0006] On the other hand, the seed cake is nutrient rich and therefore very suitable as fertilizer (Table 3). Together with the fruit coats, the major part of the nutrients can be recycled. When no fertilizers are used, which is assumed to be the case in the use of J. curcas as a low input crop, this recycling is necessary to maintain soil fertility, especially i5 on non fertile marginal lands. Patolia (2007a) reported total above ground dry matter increase of 24% after 2 years.

[0007] Because of unavoidable inefficiencies, recycling nutrients will only be effective at a certain production level that allows a high dynamic nutrient cycle to take place. Initiating a plantation on low or non fertile soils therefore implies the need to use 20 other fertilizers, at least at the start, to boost crop growth and seed production in the initial stages. The harvested part of J. curcas is the fruit, mostly containing three seeds. The seeds make up about 70% of the total weight of the fruit (30% fruit coat); the mature fruits hâve amoisture content of circa 15%, the seeds circa 7%. The oil is stored in the interior of the seed: the kernel, which makes up circa 65% of the total mass of the seed. The

2:. moisture contents are circa 10% for the hull and circa 5% for the kernel.

[0008] Oil fraction and quality. The seed of J. curcas contains a viscous oil, highly suitable for cooking and lighting by itself and for the production of biodiesel. The total fraction of oil, fats and carbohydrates is circa 30 to 35% for the seed and, since 99% of the oil is stored in the kernel, circa 50 to 55% for the kernel (Table 1).

3o [0009] The oil contains very little other components and has a very good quality for burning. Cetane number of J. curcas oil (23-41) is close to cottonseed (35-40) and betterthan rapeseed (30-36), groundnut (30-41) and sunflower (29-37) (Vaitilingom & Liennard, 1997). The toxicity of J. curcas is mainiy based on phorbol esters and curcains, which give no pollution when burnt. The oil is also very suitable for transestérification into 5 biodiesel (Mohibbe Azam et al., 2005).

[0010] The absence of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in exhaust from diesel engines run on J. curcas oil shows that the oil may hâve a less adverse impact on the environment (Kandpal & Madan, 1995). As J. curcas oil has a higher viscosity than diesel oil (53 versus 8 cSt at 30 C), blending J. curcas oil up to 50% with diesel oil is advised for use in a ίο Compression Ignition (C.l.) engine without major operational difficulties (Pramanik,

2003). Other publications mention much lower values for viscosity (17.1 cSt at 30 C), which would reduce the necessary blending fraction of diesel oil (Akintayo, 2004), however, conventional engines can be operated by blending biomethanol or bioethanol (with gasoline) or bio-diesel (with diesel) from 3-20%. Some report that J. curcas oil should i5 only be used as ignition accelerator (Forson et al., 2004).

[0011] Seed cake. Like the oil, the seed cake is toxic and therefore only suitable as animal feed after Processing. The toxicity of J. curcas is based on several components (phorbol esters, curcains, trypsin inhibitors and others) which make complété détoxification complicated. Détoxification has been successful at laboratory scale (Gross et 21) al.,16 1997; Martinez Herreraet al., 2006), but since the process is complicated, it is not suitable for small scale and local use. Large scale feed production, however, has to compete on a global market with high quality demanda. Therefore, détoxification must be complété, constant and guaranteed, and is thus expected to be expensive. Hence, a successful pénétration of J. curcas seed cake as feed to the market at a profitable price is 25 challenging. The main toxic, but potentially médicinal, components are phorbol esters, although in Mexico accessions without, or with low content of phorbol esters hâve been found (Rivera Lorca & Ku Vera, 1997; Martinez Herrera et al., 2006; Basha & Sujatha, 2007). The seed cake of this so called 'non' or 'low' toxic variety might be suitable for use as animal feed, but it still contains minor quantities of toxic components and résistance on 30 the feed market towards this product is to be expected.

[0012]

On the other hand, the seed cake is nutrient rich and therefore very suitable as fertîlizer. Together with the fruit coats, the major part of the nutrients can be recycled. When no fertilizers are used, which is assumed to be the casein the use of J. curcas as a low input crop, this recycling is necessary to maintain soil fertility, especially on non fertile marginal lands. Patolia (2007a) reported total aboveground dry matter increase. Because 5 of unavoidable inefficiencies, recycling nutrients will only be effective at a certain production level that allows a high dynamic nutrient cycle to take place. Initiating a plantation on low or non fertile soils therefore implies the need to use other fertilizers, at least at the start, to boost crop growth and seed production in the initial stages.

[0013] The by-products of J. curcas, such as fruit coats, seed hulls and the ίο remaining de-oiled seed cake after pressing, may be used for organic fertilization, or for the production of more energy. Seed hulls can be burnt and the seed cake and fruit pulp can be used for the production of biogas by anaérobie fermentation (Lôpez et al., 1997;

Staubmann et al., 1997; Vyas & Singh, 2007). By burning, most nutrients will be lost, but after fermentation, most nutrients will remain in the effluent that can still be used as a I5 fertîlizer to recycle nutrients. To maintain J. curcas production at a sustainable level, it is important to be aware that a huge amount of nutrients are removed if J. curcas byproducts are exploited for additional valorization. However, the range in the reported nutrient values only cornes from a few sources (Table 3), with clear variation. This indicates that environmental and management conditions hâve a large effect on the eventual nutrient 20 content of the various plant parts. Soil organic matter content decreases in a production

System where nutrients are removed and not repienished by fertilization.

[0014] Oil extraction. For J. curcas oil extraction at small scale, various oil presses hâve been developed and modified from presses for other oil seed crops. They hâve in common that they vary in design and are non-standardized, as they were originally developed for other (edible) seeds and need to be optimized for J. curcas seeds. Bielenberg Ram (Hand) Presses handle 7-10 kg seed h-1 and spindle presses handle 15 kg seed h-1 (Mbeza et al., 2002). Commercially available pressing Systems claim Processing 500 kg seed h-1 (Figure 15).

[0015] The recoverable oil fraction is clearly affected by pressing technology. For 30 hand powered small scale pressing (such as the Bielenberg (Hand) Ram Press), an oil yield of only 19% of the seed dry weight or 30% of the kernel was reported (Foidl & Eder,

1997; Augustus et al., 2002; Akintayo, 2004; Henning, 2004; Francis et al., 2005), which is about 60% of the total extractable amount. With mechanized pressing equipment about 75% of the oil can be recovered. Commercially available pressing Systems used for large-scale de-oiling of e.g. soybean and rapeseed reach up to 90%.

[0016] Modem extraction techniques can substantially raise the extractable oil fraction. Industrial extraction with organic solvents (mainly hexane) yield near 100% of the oil content, while extractions on water basis can yield from 65-97% of the oil, depending on, (a.o.) the composition of the extract solvent, the acidity (pH) and the température of the solvent (Shah et al., 2004; Shah et al., 2005).

io [0017] Toxicity of the cake. A wide variation in toxic, but potentialiy médicinal, constituents, e.g. trypsin inhibitor in defatted kernels (18.4-27.5 mg g-1 ; Makkar et al., 1997) was observed, as well as a wide variation in saponins (1.8-3.4%; Makkar et al., 1997) and phytate (6.2-10.1 %; Makkar et al., 1997). Phorbol esters are predominantly présent, but are sometimes at low levels or not detected in provenances from Mexico.

Phorbol ester content ranged from 0.87-3.32 mg g-1 of kernel weight in 17 provenances (Makkar et al., 1997; 3.85 mg g-1: Martinez Herrera et al., 2006).

[0018] Much attention to various aspects and tests of toxic components (phorbol esters and curcain) in J. curcas was reported at the 'Jatropha 97' Symposium in Managua, Nicaragua (Chapter4 in Gübitz et al., 1997), including expériences for using proteins from toxic and 'low toxic' J. curcas seeds for livestock feed (Makkar & Becker, 1997). Toxic constituents were found to be effective against a wide variety of pests (Solsoloy & Solsoloy, 1997; Rug & Ruppel, 2000). A 100% mortality rate was obtained against mosquito (Culex quinque fasciatus Say), when petroleum extracts of J. curcas leaves were used as a larvicide (Karmegam et al., 1997). The toxicity of J. curcas is based on several components (phorbol esters, curcains, trypsin inhibitors and others) that are présent in considérable amounts in ail plant components (including the oil), which make complété détoxification a complicated process.

[0019] Since the détoxification of J. curcas organic material is such a complicated process, it has —so far- only been successful at laboratory scale, and seems not to be suitable for small scale and local application. Like other J. curcas plant components, the seed cake is toxic and the prospect for successful pénétration of the feed market with a detoxified product is chailenging. The seed cake (either as remainder of the pressing process, or as a complété meal) is nutrient rich and therefore very suitable as fertilizer.

[0020] Phorbol esters of J. curcas décomposé quickly as they are very sensitive to elevated températures, light and atmospheric oxygen (NIH, 2007); they décomposé completely within 6 days (Rug & Ruppel, 2000).

[0021 ] To maintain J. curcas production at a sustainable level, it is important to take notion of the huge amount of nutrients that are removed from the soil if J. curcas byproducts are exploited for additional uses, including the bio-refinery concept.

Summary of the Invention

[0022] The invention includes, in one aspect, a process for preparing a food or feed composition from J. curcas. The method includes the steps of:

(a) forming a mixture containing J. curcas components, with addition of acid to a final pH of the mixture of between 1 and 5, (b) incubating the mixture for a perîod of at least 1 hour, and (c) centrifuging the incubated mixture to separate the slurry into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing soluble acid-extracted components and breakdown products, and (iii) a substantially detoxified solid cake which forms or is used in forming the food or feed composition.

[0023] In one embodiment, step (a) in the method includes crushing J. curcas to form a slurry, and acidifying the slurry to a pH of between 1-5. The slurry may be acidified by addition of acidified antioxidant solution. The acidified antioxidant solution may be added before, during, or after crushing the J. curcas components. The antioxidant solution may be olive végétation water having ratio of hydroxytyrosoi to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. In certain embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols. In other embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent. Preferred embodiments of organic solvents include methanol and éthanol.

[0024] In another embodiment, step (a) in the method includes crushing J. curcas to 5 form a slurry, centrifuging the slurry to separate the slurry into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing watersoluble components, and (iii) a first cake, and forming a cake slurry by addition of an acidified aqueous solution to the first cake, at a pH of between 1 and 5. The slurry may be formed by addition to the first cake of acidified antioxidant solution. The antioxidant solution ίο may be olive végétation water having ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between

5:1 to 100:1. In this embodiment, the light upper oil fraction from step (a) may be combined with the light upper oil fraction obtained in step (d), and the aqueous fraction from step (a) may be combined with the aqueous fraction obtained in step (d).

[0025] In still another embodiment, step (a) in the method includes adding an acidic

I5 aqueous solution to a first cake prepared from crushed J. Curcas, to form a cake slurry having a pH between 1 -5. The cake slurry may be formed by addition to the first cake of acidified olive végétation water having ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. In certain embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols. In other embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an

2o organic solvent. Preferred embodiments of organic solvents include methanol and éthanol.

[0026] Acid or an acidic aqueous solution or acidified olive végétation water may be added to the cake components in step (a) to a final pH of between 2-4, and an exemplary acidifying agent is a weak organic acid, such as citric acid.

[0027] The incubating step (c) may be carried out at room température for a period of 25 at least one day, for a period of at least 10 days, or for a period of at least 30 days or longer.

[0028] The process may further include extracting soluble components from the aqueous fraction obtained in step (c), and/or concentrating the aqueous fraction by removal of water.

[0029] In the preceding embodiments, the J. curcas components are selected from the fruit, the seed, or an already formed cake of J. curcas. Also in the preceding embodiments, the olive végétation water may comprise at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols. In other embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent. Preferred embodiments of organic solvents include methanol and éthanol.

[0030] In another aspect, the invention includes a food or feed comprising J. curcas from which hâve been removed, toxic components that are extracted and/or degraded by incubation of components in an acidified aqueous slurry at pH 1-5 for at least one day.

[0031] The composition may be prepared by the methods disclosed above.

[0032] Also disclosed is an oil fraction from J. curcas formed by the steps of:

(a) pressing J. curcas components to form a cake and oil and aqueous fractions, (b) after removing the oil and aqueous fractions, adding an acidified aqueous solution to the cake to form a slurry having a final pH of between 1 and 5, (c) incubating the slurry for a period for a period of at least 24 hours, (d) centrifuging the incubated slurry to separate the slurry into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing additional oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing soluble acid-extracted components and breakdown products, and (iii) a substantially detoxified solid cake which can be used as an animal feed, and (e) isolating the light upper fraction obtained in step (d).

[0033] In one embodiment, step (a) includes adding the acidified antioxidant solution before, during, or after pressing the J. curcas components. In another embodiment, step (b) may be carried out by adding to the cake, in forming a slurry, acidified olive végétation water having ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. In certain embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols. In other embodiments, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent. Preferred embodiments of organic solvents include methanol and éthanol. The oil fraction may also includes the oil fraction obtained in step (a).

[0034] Further ciisclosed is an aqueous fraction from J. curcas formed by the steps of:

(a) pressing J. curcas components to form a cake and oil and aqueous fractions, (b) after removing the oil and aqueous fractions, adding an acîdified aqueous 5 solution to the cake to form a slurry having a final pH of between 1 and 5, (c) incubating the slurry for a period for a period of at least 24 hours, (d) centrifuging the incubated slurry to separate the slurry into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing additional oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing soluble acid-extracted components and breakdown products, and (iii) a ίο substantially detoxified solid cake which can be used as an animal feed, and (e) isolating the aqueous fraction obtained in step (d).

[0035] The aqueous fraction may also include the aqueous fraction of step (a). The aqueous fraction may be further treated to extract médicinal components therefrom. in one embodiment, step (a) includes adding the acîdified antioxidant solution before, during, i5 or after pressing the J. curcas components.

[0036] These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read below.

[0037] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of extracting médicinal compounds from J. curcas, comprising the steps of:

(a) pressing J. curcas components to form a cake and oil and aqueous fractions, (b) removing the oil and aqueous fractions and then adding an aqueous acid solution to the cake to form a slurry having a final pH of between 1 and 5, (c) incubating the slurry for a period of at least 24 hours, and (d) centrifuging the incubated slurry to separate the slurry into three physically 25 distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing additional oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing médicinal compounds and breakdown products, and (iii) a substantially detoxified solid cake.

[0038] In one embodiment, step (a) additionally comprises pressing the J. curcas components in the presence of an aqueous acid solution. In another embodiment, the aqueous acid solution is an antioxidant solution. In yet another embodiment, step (a) includes adding an acidified antioxidant solution before, during, or after the pressing of the ? J. curcas components. In certain embodiments, the antioxidant solution is olive végétation water. The olive végétation water may comprise at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols. The olive végétation water may hâve a ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. The olive végétation water may comprise 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the organic solvent is selected from methanol and éthanol.

in [0039] In another embodiment, the J. curcas components are selected from the fruit, the seed, or an already formed cake of J. curcas. In certain embodiments, the médicinal compounds are selected from curcin and phorbol esters.

Description of the Invention

[0040] In the présent invention, acidulated water, aiso referred to as an acidic aqueous solution (e.g., citric acid 1%, chloridic acid 0.2 N or H2SO4 0.2 N) may be used as a medium for extraction of hydrophobie compounds présent in the cake. Among these hydrophobie compounds are most of the toxic compounds which make the cake poisonous. The aqueous extraction is carried at room température forfew hours to several days. The 20 suspension or slurry is then separated by a three phase centrifuge similar to than commonly used by the olive oil industry.

[0041] Three phase centrifugation will produce a light phase represented by the vegetable oil still trapped in the cake and thus recoverable by this process, the heavy phase, represented by the aqueous fraction containing the majority of the hydrophilic 25 compounds, which includes Trypsin inhibitors, sorbol esters and lecitins (saponins), and the solid fraction (cake).

[0042] There are three different embodiments contemplated. In the first, J. curcas components are crushed in the presence of an acidified aqueous solution, to form a slurry, which is then incubated, e.g., 1 hour to 30 days, to extract and/or detoxify soluble ,io compounds from the J. curcas cake components. After incubation, the slurry is centrifuged ί

to form the three fractions, al! of which form various aspects of the invention: an upper oil phase, an intermediate aqueous fraction containing extractable products, e.g., médicinal products, and a lower, detoxified cake, which may be further processed into a food orfeed composition. In certain exemplary methods, the acîdified aqueous solution that is added to the crushed J. curcas is an acîdified olive végétation water, that may be hydroxytyrosol-rich, having a pH preferably between 1-5 and containing a ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. A suitable hydroxytyrosol-rich composition is disclosed in co-owned U.S. U.S. 6,416,808, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Exemplary methods of obtaining olive végétation water are described in coowned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,165,475 and 6,197,308, each of which are expressly incorporated herein by référencé in their entirety. In certain embodiments and examples disclosed herein, the olive végétation water is HIDROX® solution, an antioxidant solution prepared from olives.

[0043] In a second general embodiment, a J. curcas component slurry is first centrifuged to produce an upper oil fraction, an intermediate aqueous fraction and a lower cake. This initial step is preferably conducted under relatively neutral-pH conditions, e.g., pH 5-8. The initial cake is then further treated by addition of an acîdified aqueous solution, e.g., the above acîdified hydroxytyrosol-rich olive végétation water, to form an acîdified slurry, which is incubated as above, then centrifuged to form an upper oil fraction, an intermediate aqueous fraction, and lower, detoxified cake. The upper oil fraction may be combined with the initial oil fraction, and the aqueous fraction may be combined with the initial aqueous fraction. The aqueous fraction may be further concentrated and/or used as a source of extractable medical or other Chemical components.

[0044] In a third general embodiment, an already formed J. curcas cake is used as the starting material, and to this cake is added an acîdified aqueous solution, e.g., the above acîdified hydroxytyrosol-rich olive végétation water, to form a cake slurry which is incubated as above, then centrifuged to form an upper oil fraction, an intermediate aqueous fraction, and a lower, detoxified cake. In ail of the preceding embodiments, the J. curcas components may be the fruit, the seed, or an already formed cake of J. curcas.

[0045]

The presence of toxic/medicinal compounds in the aqueous fraction has been confirmée! by HPLC analysis. The toxicity of the residual cake has been tested by animal toxicity studies conducted by BioQuant, Inc. San Diego.

[0046] The aqueous extraction method has the advantage to:

(a) recover the residual oil trapped in the pressed cake.

(b) extract and separate the toxic components présent in the cake which are either hydrolyzed and/or are highly hydrophilic, and thus end up in the water fraction, and

c) render the solid fraction less or totally non-toxic as confirmed by animal studies.

[0047] Thus, the cake become a very vaiuable food and feed component which can be formulated in a variety of foods for human and animais.

h ) [0048] The aqueous fraction becomes a very vaiuable raw material for further extraction and isolation of compounds of Chemical and pharmaceutical use, and can be further concentrated to reduce the content in water. This can be easily accomplished by common steam or vacuum evaporators generally used in the juice industry (orange juice) as an example and then the water recycled for field irrigation of other uses in water déficient areas of the world. By performing the extraction of J. curcas with an acidified antioxidant solution, the Chemical compounds thereby extracted are protected from décomposition during the extraction, storage and concentration.

[0049] The concentrated juice can finally be sold as raw material for the extraction and séparation of vaiuable compounds for medical, industrial and other uses based upon the active molécules présent in or isolated from the juice.

[0050] In one aspect, provided herein is a process fortreating J. curcas comprising:

(a) forming a mixture containing J. curcas components, with addition of acid to a final pH of the mixture of between 1 and 5, (b) incubating the mixture for a period of at least 1 hour, and (c) centrifuging the incubated mixture to separate the mixture into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction containing soluble acid-extracted components and breakdown products, and (iii) a substantially detoxified solid cake which forms or is used in forming the food or feed composition.

[0051] In one embodiment, the process comprises the additionai step: repeating steps (a)~(c).

[0052] In another embodiment, the process comprises the additionai step: using the cake formed in step (c) as a food or feed composition.

[0053] In another embodiment of the process, step (a) includes crushing J. curcas components to form a slurry, and acidifying the slurry to a pH of 1-5.

io [0054] In another embodiment of the process, step (a) includes acidifying the slurry by adding an acidified antioxidant solution. In yet another embodiment, step (a) comprises adding an acidified antioxidant solution before, during, or after crushing the J. curcas components. In still another embodiment, the antioxidant solution is olive végétation water. In one embodiment, the olive végétation water comprises at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenols.

I5 In another embodiment, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent.

[0055] In another embodiment of the process, step (a) includes crushing J. curcas components to form a slurry, centrifuging the slurry to separate the slurry into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a light, upper fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction 20 containing water-soluble components, and (iii) a first cake, and forming a cake slurry by addition of an aqueous acid solution to the first cake, to a pH of between 1 and 5. In some embodiments of the process, the aqueous acid solution is an antioxidant solution. In some embodiments, the antioxidant solution is olive végétation water.

[0056] In another embodiment of the process, the light upper oil fraction from step 25 (a) is combined with the light upper oil fraction obtained in step (c).

[0057] In another embodiment of the process, the aqueous fraction from step (a) is combined with the aqueous fraction obtained in step (c).

[0058] In another embodiment of the process, the mixture formed in step (a) has a final pH of 2-4.

[0059] In another embodiment of the process, the mixture formed in step (a) is acidified by addition of a weak organic acid that imparts a fina! pH of 2-4 to the slurry. In some embodiments, the weak organic acid is citric acid.

[0060] In another embodiment of the process, the incubating step (b) is carried out at room température for a period of at least one day.

[0061] In another embodiment, the process further comprises extracting soluble components from the aqueous fraction obtained in step (c). In yet another embodiment, the process further comprises concentrating the aqueous fraction by removal of water.

[0061] In another embodiment of the process, the olive végétation water jo comprises at least 0.1% (w/v) polyphenoîs. In yet another embodiment, the olive végétation water has a ratio of hydroxytyrosol to oleuropein of between 5:1 to 100:1. In still another embodiment, the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent.

[0062] In another embodiment of the process, the J. curcas components are i5 selected from the fruit, the seed, or an already formed cake of J. curcas.

[0063] In another aspect, provided herein is a food or feed composition prepared according to the preceding process, and embodiments thereof.

[0064] In still another aspect, provided herein is an oil fraction obtained according to the preceding process, and embodiments thereof. In one embodiment, provided herein 2o is the combined oil fractions of steps (a) and (c).

[0065] In yet another aspect, provided herein is an aqueous fraction obtained according to the preceding process, and embodiments thereof. In one embodiment, provided herein is the combined aqueous fractions of steps (a) and (c).

[0066] In one embodiment of the process, step (a) comprises:

2:t (i) pressing J. curcas components to form a cake and oil and aqueous fractions, and (ii) removing the oil and aqueous fractions, and then adding an aqueous acid solution to the cake to form a slurry having a final pH of between 1 and 5, and further comprising the step of: isolating the aqueous fraction obtained in step (c). In another embodiment, provided herein is the aqueous fraction obtained according to the process. In one embodiment, provided herein is the combined aqueous fractions of steps (a) and (c). In another embodiment, the aqueous fraction or fractions are further treated to extract médicinal compounds therefrom.

[0067] In another embodiment of the process, step (a) comprises:

(i) pressing J. curcas components to form a cake and oil and aqueous fractions, and (ii) removing the oil and aqueous fractions, and then adding an aqueous acid solution to the cake to form a slurry having a final pH of between 1 and 5, and further comprising the step of: isolating the light upper oil fraction obtained in step (c). In another embodiment, provided herein is the oil fraction obtained according to the process. In one embodiment, provided herein is the combined oil fractions of steps (a) io and (c).

[0068] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of extracting compounds from J. curcas, comprising the preceding processes and embodiments thereof. In one embodiment, the compounds are selected from curcin and phorbol esters.

Experimental

I. Jathropa Curcas Processing From Seed

[0069] Procedure A: To 200kg seeds, prior to crushing, add the following solution A, made of 100 liters of 1% Citric Acid. Mix thoroughly to hâve a loose slurry and pour the mix onto a grinding machine. Grind mix into a wet pulp and pump slurry into kneading tank. Stir for about 1 hour at 30 °C. Pump slurry into a three phase decanter and separate the three components, Solid pulp, oil and aqueous extract. Examine three components accordingly and calculate yields in oil. Save the solid fraction in freezer, until toxicity test is performed. Analyze aqueous fraction by HPLC.

[0070] Procedure B: To 200kg seeds , prior to crushing, add the following solution B, made of 100 liters of 0.5% polyphenols extracted from the pulp of the olives in 1% citric acid. Mix thouroghly to obtain a slurry and proceed as above.

[0071] Procedure C: 200kg seeds are processed without any addition of liquid. The solution A is added after the seeds are crushed into a thick paste and pumped into a tank for 1 hr. kneading. Proceed then as above in 1 and 2.

[0072] Procedure D: 200 kg seeds are processed without addition of any liquid. 5 The solution B is added after the seeds are crushed into a thick paste and pumped into a tank for 1 hr. kneading. Proceed then as above in 1 and 2.

[0073] Procedure E (Control experiment): One kilogram of seeds are processed in a blender with addition of 500ml water. The slurry is left at room température for 1.5 hrs and then centrifuged to separate liquid fraction from solid îo residue. Liquid is collected separately and analyzed by HPLC. The samples are frozen until further analysis is performed.

II. Processing From Solid Seed Cake

[0074] Procedure Al: To 200kg dry cake add the foilowing solution A, made of I5 100 liters of 1% Citric Acid directly into kneading tank. Stir for about 1.5 hour at 30 °C. Pump slurry into a three-phase decanter and separate the three components: solid pulp, crude oil and aqueous extract. Examine three components accordingly and calculate yieids in crude oil. Save the solid fraction in freezer until toxicity test is performed. Analyze aqueous fraction by HPLC.

’O [0075] Procedure Bl: To 200kg dry cake add the foilowing solution B. made of 100 liters of 0.5% polyphenols extracted from the pulp of the olives in 1% citric acid. Mix thoroughly to obtain a slurry in kneading tank for 1.5 hrs at 30 °C and proceed as above.

[0076] Procedure E2 (Control experiment): One kilogram of dry seed cake is 25 processed in a blender with addition of 500ml water. The slurry is left at room température for 1.5 hrs and then centrifuged to separate liquid fraction from solid residue. Liquid is collected separately and analyzed by HPLC. The samples are frozen until further analysis is performed.

III. HPLC Jatropha Curca Processing and Détoxification.

[0077] I. HIDROX® 0.5% Liquid as antioxidant solution containing olive polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol) was obtained from Creagri, Inc. (Hayward, CA). The HPLC profile of HIDROX® 0.5% liquid is characterized by the presence of a large peak (RT=5m) corresponding to hydroxytyrosol (HT) with a percent area of approximately 40% of total UV absorbing materials (Total Polyphenols, TP). A second smal! peak (RT= 9.3 min.) corresponds to tyrosol. The area is approximately 10% of the HT area, 4% of total polyphenols (TP). The HPLC profile is then characterized by the presence of late peaks (at least 4-5) that elute at high concentration of methanol in Buffer A (RT from 19.5m to 20.8m). These peaks correspond to oleuropein, verbascoside and their aglycon dérivatives, which contribute ail together to 46-47% of the TP. Total UV area = 41.5 million units.

[0078] 2. Sample #1 : Jatropha Curcas seeds (from Ghana) processed in the presence of 1% citric acid solution: The peaks of these chromatograms correspond to 100% compounds derived from the Jatropha Curcas (JC) and soluble in water (hydrophilic fraction). The front part of the spectrum is characterized by the presence of a large peak (RT = 2m) representing ca. 16-17% of the total UV areas, in a possible concentration of ca. 0.25% in weight of the total compounds in the solution (as direct comparison with 0.5% HIDROX® liquid). In addition, there are three additional peaks of relevance: the first one elutes with RT = 1.6m (3.5%), the second one with RT = 2.4m (3.8%) and the third one with RT = 3.0m (8.2%). A second set of peaks (three détectable) elutes with RT between 19.2m and 20.0m with percent areas of 4.5%, 6.3% and4.0% respective|y. Finally a third set of peaks (with two prédominant peaks at RT= 21.5m and 21.8m) is visible with a total % area of 22% (11.5% and 11% respectively). Total UV area = 15.5 million units.

[0079] 3. Sample #2: Jatropha Curcas cake (from the same source in Ghana) processed with HIDROX® 0.5% instead of 1% citric acid: The spectrum should contain the total compounds of #1 and #2 in a first approximation. The list of fast peaks eluting between RT=0 and RT=3.1 m include the large peak for JC (RT=2.0m) which represents 21.2% of the total UV absorbing material, the two peaks at 5m and 9.4m (HT and Tyrosol (Ty) from HIDROX® 0.5%, the first representing HT (15.6%) and the second at 9.5m representing Ty (1.7%). Also visible are the several peaks with low RT and high RT. Total UV area = 49 million units. Observations: The total concentration of JC cake material in to HIDROX® 0.5% is approximately 8 million units in a total of 49 million units, or approximately 20%, assuming that the compounds in HIDROX® 0.5% are neither consumed nor diluted. The increase percentage of the JC peak at 2m, (21.2%) vs. the HT peak area (15.6%), however seems to indicate that more than 60-65% of the JC cake compounds contribute to the total peak area of the extract. (Réduction of HT area from 37% to 15.6%, or 42% réduction). The Ty concentration is also reduced from 3.64% to h) 1.76%, or 48% réduction). The 3 peaks from JC cake are now présent in 3.1 %, 5.2% and 9.5%, which corresponds to an increase of 73% and 86%.

[0080] 4. Sample #3: Jatropha Curcas seeds processed with HIDROX® 0.5%:

The HPLC profile shows the presence of both peaks from HIDROX® 0.5% and JC.

Specifically, from HIDROX® 0.5%, is well visible the HT peak RT=5.1m (23.4%) and the Ty i5 peak RT-9.4m (2.1%). From the JC we clearly detect the peak at RT=2.0m (7%) and the 3 additional peaks at RT=1.7m (2.3%), RT=2.4m (3%) and RT=3m (9.7%). Total area: 31.5 million units.

[0081] 5. Conclusions: Extraction with an acidified aqueous solution or an aqueous EtOH (éthanol) solution (5%) seem to provide similar results. The extraction with 20 the above solutions may results in détoxification of both the oil and the biomass in that:

(a) some of the compounds detected by HPLC analysis correspond to phorbol esters (commercially available).

(b) the curcin (toxic protein) solubilizes in aqueous solutions.

In order to avoid oxidatîon of the above molécules in aqueous solution, it is necessary to 25 introduce an antioxidant component, like hydroxytyrosol or other commercially available antioxidants. The antioxidants will perform better if the aqueous solution is acidified (citric acid or other organic and non-organic acids). The pH we hâve used is ranging between 3.0 and 5.0. The detoxifying solution (water/ antioxidant/ acid and possibly some percentage of EtOH (5%) can be added to the Jatropha Curcas seeds prier to the millïng and séparation 30 of the oil from the biomass (cake), or can be used on the dry cake to extract hydrophilic molécules and detoxify the biomass. Citric acid alone does not seem to protect from oxidation as the aqueous extract develops a strong odor after two-three months of storage. Experiments conducted at laboratory scale and pilot plant (200 kg seeds / cake) confirm the above. HPLC analysis of samples of the resulting aqueous fraction indicate that ca. 7080% of the compounds in the solution dérivé from the extraction process. Subséquent use of the dry biomass as feed for fish has confirmed the lack of toxicity of it.

IV. Quantization of HT (hydroxytyrosol) in Freeze Dried Olive Juice by HPLC - Gradient

[0082] Equipment and Reagents: HPLC grade methanol, ddHaO, acetic acid and HIDROX®were used.

io [0083] Standard Préparation: Accurately dilute stock solution of standard (100 mg/2 ml HT; Cayman Chemical) 1:3 with mobile phase (Solvent A) into a 2 ml micro tube. Mix well. The working concentration of the standard is 1.67 mg/ml.

[0 084] Sample Préparation: Accurately weigh 100 mg +/- 0.5 mg of sample and transfer to a 15 ml conical centrifuge tube. Add 10 ml of mobile phase (Solvent A) to i5 the sample and mix well. Sonicate for 5 minutes then transfer 1 ml of dissolved sample to a 2 ml micro tube. Centrifuge the 1 ml sample at 11,000 x g for 10 minutes. Remove ail but the small pellet on the bottom to a new 2 ml micro tube.

[0085] Instrument Conditions:

Mobile Phase: (Solvent A): HPLC Grade ddHaO with 5% HPLC Grade

Methanol and 3% HPLC Grade Acetic Acid (pH 2.7-2.8). (Solvent B): 100%

HPLC Grade Methanol

Flow Rate: 1.0 ml/min

Gradient: Solvent A (95.5%)/Solvent B (0.5%) isocratic for 20 min, then Solvent B 0.5-100% in 15 min.

Wavelength: CD 280mm

Injection Volume: 20 pl

Column: Beckman Coulter Ultrasphere RP-C18 [4.6 x 150 mm]

Température: Column 20 °C +/- 2 °C

Approximate Rétention Times:

HT - 5.9 minutes

Tyrosol —11.5 minutes

[0086] Procedure: Mix 920 ml of HPLG Grade ddH₂O with 50 ml HPLC Grade Methanol and 30 ml HPLC Grade Acetic Acid “Solvent A”). Filter Solvent A with vacuum using a 0.45 micron Nalgene Filter. Condition the analytical column for 30 minutes before beginning calibration.

[0087] System Suitability: Préparé a standard solution by thawing (from -20 °C freezer) a stock HIDROX® solution (1.67 mg/ml). Once thawed, the standard is discarded. Inject the standard solution to demonstrate presence of HT, rétention io time, peak area, peak height, and plate number. Inject the standard solution 4 fîmes to calibrate and establish the précision of the chromatographie System. Compute the relative standard déviation (% rsd) of the peak areas for HT. The System is considered suitable for assay if the % rsd of the four standard injections is <2%. As a further guide in assessing column performance, the column should develop -9000

I5 theoretical plates and the tailing factor should be less than 1.5. At the completion of the analysis, inject the standard solution as a calibration check. The calibration check should be +/- 2% of the expected concentration.

[0088] Calculation: The concentration of HT is calcuiated as follows:

Asp/As x S x p x V x Ws = mg/g, wherein: Asp = Area of sample peak As = Area of standard peak

S = working standard concentration in mg/ml P = purity of standard

V = Sample Volume

Ws = Sample Weight

Claims (15)

CLA1MS

1.

S

A process for producing an oil fraction from J. curcas comprising:

a. crushing J. curcas components

b. adding an acidified aqueous solution to the crushed J. curcas components to form a slurry;

c. incubating the slurry, and

d. separating the incubated slurry by centrifugation or decanting to produce a “light” phase comprising oil as a first fraction, and a heavy” phase comprising an intermediate aqueous fraction and a solid fraction, thereby producing three fractions.

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the incubation step comprises heating the mixture.

3. A process for producing an oil fraction from J. curcas comprising:

a. preparing a mixture comprising aqueous acid and i) crushed J. curcas seeds or ii) a dry J. curcas seed cake;

b. kneading the product of step a), and

c. subjecting the product of step b) to a séparation process selected from decanting and centrifuging to provide an oil fraction and a solid pulp and an aqueous extract.

4. A process according to claim 3 wherein the mixture is prepared by crushing J. curcas 25 seeds and adding acid to the crushed seeds or by adding aqueous acid to the seeds in step a) prior to crushing the seeds.

5.

A process fortreating J. curcas comprising:

a) forming a mixture containing J. curcas components, with addition of aqueous acid to a final pH of the mixture of between 1 and 5;

b) incubating the mixture for a period of at least 1 hour, and

c) separating the incubated mixture by centrifuging or decanting to separate the mixture into three physically distinct fractions: (i) a fraction containing oil, (ii) an aqueous fraction and (iii) a solid cake suitable for use in forming a food or feed composition.

6. The process of claim 5, wherein step (a) includes crushing J. curcas components to form a slurry, and acidifying the slurry to a pH of 1-5.

7. The process of any preceding claim, wherein step (a) comprises adding an acidified antioxidant solution before, during, or after crushing or mixing the J. curcas components.

8. The process of claim 7 wherein the antioxidant solution is acidified olive végétation water.

9. The process of claim 8, wherein the olive végétation water comprises 5-10% (v/v) of an organic solvent.

10. A process according to any one of daims 3 or 5 wherein the oil fraction is removed from the pulp and aqueous extract and the pulp and aqueous extract are then separated to provide three physically distinct fractions.

11. A process according to any one of daims 3 or 5 wherein the oil fraction, pulp and aqueous extract and separated simultaneously from each other.

12. A process according to any one of the preceding daims wherein the J curcas components are selected from the fruit, the seed, or an already formed cake of J curcas.

13. An oil comprising J. curcas components obtainable by a process as defined in any one of daims 1 to 12 from which toxic compounds hâve been extracted and/or degraded.

14. A composition comprising J. curcas components, from which toxic compounds hâve been extracted and/or degraded obtainable by a process as defined in any one of daims 1 to 12.

15. An aqueous fraction from J. curcas obtainable by a process as defined in any one of daims 1 to 12.