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Ficus elastica - the Indian rubber tree - an underutilized promising multi-use species
- Abstract::
- Ficus elastica known as the Indian rubber tree has a white, milky latex that is a source of natural rubber was analyzed for its phytochemicals as an intermediate energy source. The tree produces a high quantity of protein and oil (24.5 and 6.1% respectively). The polyphenol content was 4.2%, and hydrocarbon content was 2%. The gross calorific value of the plant sample was 28.7 MJ kg−1, much higher than that of methanol (22.4 MJ kg−1), but comparable to anthracite coal (29.7 MJ kg−1). The gross calorific value of the oil fraction was 32.8 MJ kg−1. This species also contains high levels of ortho-dihydroxy phenols which may be related to disease resistance to some pathogens. It also possesses compounds with antimicrobial activity and a range of pharmacological activities. F. elastica has several chemical constituents, other than rubber, which have potential uses and warrant further study.
- Author(s):
-
Augustus, G.D.P.S. , Seiler, G.J.
- Subject(s):
-
Ficus elastica , renewable energy sources , chemical constituents of plants , polyphenols , latex , phytochemicals , antimicrobial properties , plant fats and oils , ash content , protein content , hydrocarbons , energy content
- Description:
- Includes references
- Source:
- Biomass and bioenergy 2011 July, v. 35, no. 7
- Language:
- English
- Year:
- 2011
- Collection:
-
Journal Articles, USDA Authors, Peer-Reviewed
- File:
-
Download [PDF]
- Rights:
- Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.
