Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of the Oil Extracted from Leaves of Curcuma longa L. and its Application as Biofuel

Turmeric leaves are the waste product for farmer after removing turmeric rhizome. In the present work the oil was extracted from the leaves of Curcuma longa L. (Family - Zingiberaceae) by hydro distillation method. The extracted oil was studied for preliminary physicochemical and phytochemical tests. The phytochemical evaluation of the turmeric leaf oil indicated the presence of terpenes. Extracted turmeric leaf oil was used to run two stroke and four stroke engine. Engine eliminates less environment harmful product with turmeric oil as compared to Petrol. It has been concluded that turmeric leaf oil can be used as an alternative biofuel for Petrol.