ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of jojoba. Simmondsia is unique among plants in that its seeds contain an oil which is a liquid wax. Since Simmondsia oil resembles sperm whale oil both in composition and properties, it should serve as a replacement for the applications of that oil. Indians of Baja California highly prized the fruit for food and the oil as a medicine for cancer and kidney disorders. Reported to be emetic, jojoba is a folk remedy for cancer, colds, dysuria, eyes, head, obesity, parturition, poison ivy, sores, sore throat, warts, and wounds. Seri Indians applied jojoba to head sores and aching eyes. The acute oral LD50 for crude jojoba oil to male albino rats is higher than 21.5 ml/kg body weight. Strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus can ameliorate the toxicity.
