Abstract

Phytochemical properties and effect of aqueous extract of Jatropha caucus root bark on some bacteria isolates was investigated. The root bark extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and terpenes/steroids. The extract applied in graded concentrations of 200, 400 and 600 mg/ml inhibited the multiplication of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis,Corynebacterium pyogenes, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Conclusively, the root bark extract of this plant has exhibited good antibacterial activity especially on organisms such as B. subtilis, C. albicans, S. pyogenes, Proteus species, E. coli and S. typhi  that are incriminated in causing diseases such as anthrax, reproductive tract infection, skin infection and various gastrointestinal disorders.

Key words: Jatropha curcas, phytochemical properties, in vitro antibacterial activity, aqueous root bark extract.