Jatropha oil, the residue of the plant Jatropha curcas, is a plant formerly considered a scourge that is now being feverishly studied due to its potential benefits as an alternative fuel source. According to the BBC, jatropha burns in a clean, smokeless manner that can be helpful in keeping the environment clean and pollution levels associated with fuel production at a minimum. As an alternative to other bio-fuels, jatropha oil-based fuel products have been found to be a safer, less-polluting fuel source that can be a fitting recovery option for struggling rural economies.