Jasmonates are a class of plant hormones that mediate various aspects in gene and metabolic regulation, defense, stress responses, reproduction and, possibly, communication. Oxidative stress stimulates synthesis of antioxidant metabolites and enhances antioxidant enzyme activities that could protect plant tissues. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of methyl jasmonate (JAME) treatment on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and on the activities of H 2 O 2 scavenging enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX EC; 1.11.1.1), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7) in Ricinus communis leaves. The activity of CAT and GPX was transient while SOD activity decreased and APX increased after treatment with JAME. In addition, JAME exposure induced ROS accumulation.

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Significant effort has been made world-wide to boost biofuels with the expectation of a positive contribution to renewable fuel and greenhouse gas reduction. Jatropha curcas L. has proved to be an opportunistic crop in tropical areas, particularly in unfavorable environments. For this reason, analyses of toxicity and allergy caused by its seeds and pollen are necessary. A 12kDa, allergenic 2S albumin, denoted Jat c 1, was isolated from Physic nut (J. curcas) seeds. Jat c 1 binds IgE attached to rat mast cells, inducing histamine release. It also showed strong cross-reactivity with the major allergens from castor bean, Ric c 1 and Ric c 3.