Antimicrobial Activity of Jatropha Curcas Sap on Selected Microorganisms

Abstract

Zakari David Adeiza, Olaitan C O, Edegbo Emmanuel, Olorunmowaju Abiodun Israel and Shuaib Yusuf Danjuma

Jatropha curcas sap is used for medicinal purposes.It has played a major role in the treatment of various diseases including bacterial and fungal infections.This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Jatropha curcas sap against selected microorganisms (Shigella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp,Candida albicans and Trichophyton spp) using standard procedures.The qualitative phytochemical screening of the sap reveals the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids,tannins, carbohydrate, glycosides while Steroids was absent. It was observed that the test organisms were more susceptible at high concentration which is 100. The highest zone of inhibition for bacteria was observed on Staphylococcus aureus and the lowest zone of inhibition was on Salmonella sp. For fungi the highest zone of inhibition was on Candida albicans and the lowest zone of inhibition was on Trichophyton sp. There was no zone of inhibition for water which serves as negative control. But there was zone of inhibition for the positive controls which were Ciprofloxacin and Ketoconazole. Jatropha curcas sap is a potential antimicrobial substance, active against Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria and some fungi. It is therefore a potential antimicrobial agent.

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