Kenaf scientifically known as Hibiscus cannabinus belongs to Malavaceae family which is a valuable fiber plant inherent to Africa and India. This plant has active components such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, polyphenolics, steroids and essential oils. It is used in India and Africa in traditional folk medicine. The seeds are used to extract oil that is edible for the human consumption. This oil possesses alpha-linolenic acid that is essential omega-3 fatty acid which possesses antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil possesses phytosterol that has anti-oxidant, anticancer and lipid lowering cholesterol properties. It is extracted by using organic solvents such as petroleum or n-hexane.

History

Kenaf is native to Africa and India. Kenaf is used as a cordage crop for the production of rope, twine and sackcloth for more than six millennia. Firstly it was domesticated in Northern Africa. It was produced and used for last two hundred years in India. In 1902, it was produced by Russia and in 1935 to China. During World War II, the production of Kenaf was started in United States for the supply of cordage material for the war effort. It interrupted the supply of foreign fiber from Philippines. The involvement in war increases the use of these fibers.

Traditional uses

• It is used as a treatment or bilious conditions, bruises, puerperium and fever.
• It lowers cholesterol and reduces heart diseases.

Precautions 

• It should be moderately used.
• Consult the doctor for use to remain on the safe side.
• Allergic people should avoid it.
• Sensitive people might get allergic reactions.

Other Facts

• It could be used as a biofuel, in cosmetics or as chemicals.
• It is used for the production of paints, linoleum, soap and varnishes.

Kenaf seed oil facts

Kenaf seed oil uses and benefits Quick Facts
Name:	Kenaf seed oil uses and benefits
Scientific Name:	Hibiscus cannabinus
Origin	Native to Africa and India.
Health benefits	Treat bilious conditions, bruises, puerperium and fever

Name	Kenaf seed oil uses and benefits
Scientific Name of Kenaf	Hibiscus cannabinus
Native	Native to Africa and India.
Common/English Name of Kenaf	Java jute, Deccan hemp, Bimli, Ambari Hemp, Ambary, Bimlipatum Jute, Deccan Hemp
Name in Other Languages of Kenaf	French: chanvre du Deccan, chanvre de Guinée, chanvre de Gambo, Jute de Java, chanvre de roselle, Jute de Siam, ketmie à feuilles de chanvre, roselle, kénaf; German: Ambari, Gambohanf, Dekkanhanf, Hanfeibisch, Kenaf, Javajute, Rosellahanf, Siamjute, Roselle; Spanish: cáñamo de la India, cáñamo Rosella, cáñamo de gambo, pavona encendida, yute de Siam, yute de Java Portuguese: cânhamo rosella, juta-do-sião, juta-de-java, quenafe; Brazilian Portuguese: papoula-de-são-francisco, quenafe, cânhamo-brasileiro; Egypt & Northern Africa: til, teal, teel; Afrikaans: stokroos; Himachal(Pangolu): sunn; West Africa: dah, rama, gambo; India: Manipur: Shougri; Bengal: mesta; Bihari: Kudrum; Marathi: Ambaadi; Telugu: Gongura, Punti Kura, Taag-Ambadi; Tamil: Palungu (பலுஂகு), pulicha keerai (புளிச்சைக் கீரை); Taiwan: ambari; Iran (Persian): Kanaf (کنف);
Extraction method	Supercritical fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction