Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf Extract of Jatropha curcas

The study investigated the antibacterial activity of Jatropha curcas using aqueous, methanol and ethanolic extracts that were obtained from the leaf against growth inhibition of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, oxalates and cyanogenic glycosides were the phytochemicals present. All test microorganisms were significantly inhibited by the leaf extracts but the presence of oxalates and cyanogenic glycosides in the leaf could present potential toxicity and therefore reduces the application of this plant to topical but not systemic use. Clearly, additional pharmacology and safety studies are warranted to investigate clinical potential of Jatropha curcas as a topical antibiotic for use against susceptible pathogens.