Aloe Vera has biodiesel potential, reveals MSU study (India)

expressIndia.com

Shubhlakshmi Shukla
Posted online: Thursday , June 19, 2008 at 03:14:53
Updated: Thursday , June 19, 2008 at 03:14:53

Vadodara, June 18 A two-year research by M S University botanists has concluded that Aloe Vera can also be used as a biofuel. So far the plant was known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. An international patent has now been sought to establish the use of Aloe Vera seeds in making biodiesel, soaps and edible oils. The plant grows in only a few areas of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Prof. Mammen Daniel and Padamnabh Nagar from MSU Botany department had come across Aloe Vera seeds in Kutch and Saurashtra areas two years ago. They also found that the plant germinates from the seeds. “The fact that Aloe Vera actually has seeds is known to very few,” said Prof Daniel.

“Even though Aloe Vera farming is done in the North Gujarat belt, this discovery will make it more economical, since the number of Aloe Vera seeds per Kilogram is 2,67,500. The seeds could be collected upon maturity and used for germination,” added Nagar.

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