Antimicrobial activity of Jatropha curcas L. and Jatropha multifida L. against bacteria and fungi s.t.d. organisms

Jatropha curcas and Jatropha multifida are ornamental, medicinal plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Many Jatropha plants have toxic and irritant properties and are used in folklore medicines to cure various infections in Africa, Asia and Latin America [1]. As part of a continuing investigation of the biological activity of Jatropha species [2], this study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial activity of these plants against different microorganisms especially those responsible for sexually transmitted infections and isolate the bioactive constituents. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the plants were analyzed phytochemically and screened against microorganisms comprising gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. The extracts and compounds displayed potent antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Candida albicans giving Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) as low as 12.5µg/mL. Phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of different compounds including a coumarin, 8-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy coumarin. The structures of the compounds were determined by MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The results confirmed the potency of these plants in treating different infections including sexually transmitted diseases.

References: 1. Burkill, H.M. (1994) The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. Vol.2, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. 2. Aiyelaagbe, O.O. et al. (2000) Phytother. Res. 14:60–62.