Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant Jatropha podagrica(Hook)

Abstract

Increasing  prevalence of multidrug  resistant strains of microorganisms has initiated  the exploration  of alternate antimicrobial agent. Taking  into account the medicinal importance of Jatropha podagrica (hook) (Euphorbiaceae) in this respect, an attempt was made in the current study to  investigate the antimicrobial potential of this plant. Fresh  plants with  authentication (Acc. No. 9126) were selected for antimicrobial assays. Extract of stem and stem bark was extracted in hexane by means of a  Soxhlet device. It was then  undertaken  for determination  of antimicrobial activity against ten clinical isolates of S. aureus (4), E. coli (4) and Candida albicans (2). MIC was found to be 15mg/ml at this concentration  stem bark extract showed  remarkable antibacterial activity as compared  to  stem extract and  their zone of inhibition  compared  with  standard  antibiotics. The clinical isolates of S. aureus (GMC30) and  E. coli (RGBC786) showed  17mm and  22mm zone of inhibition respectively that of ampicillin and streptomycin showed very less inhibition. Stem bark also sensitive to yeast fungus Candida albicans, reported a 16mm zone of inhibition, which was moderate as compared  to  fluconazole. Phytochemical screening of extract showed  presence of steroid  and triterpenes. Thus, the current investigation  leads to fresh sources of new antimicrobials in future. This is the first report in vitro which revealed medicinal importance of ornamental plant Jatropha podagrica (hook).