Bioactivity of Jatropha )Jatropha curcas L. ( Seeds Kernel and Shell Cold Methanol Extract against four Bacteria Species

Abstract

This study was conducted in June 2011 under laboratory conditions in Department of Molecular Biology, Commission for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, National Center for Research. It was aimed by this work to study the bioactivity of Jatropha curcas (methanol extract of kernel and shell) against four species of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Four concentrations of cold methanol extract from Kernel and shell of J. curcas seeds were used (0. 5mg /ml -1. 5mg/ml -3mg/ml-5mg/ml) in addition to the control treated with 9 methanol and three antibiotics namely (Ampicillin / sulbactam , Ciprofloxacin Tetracycline). According to results obtained, all concentrations of the Kernel and shell methanol extract exhibited an inhibition effect against the four species of test bacteria compared to antibiotics control. Concentrations of each extract (kernel and shell) reacted differently against test bacteria. However, the effect of both extracts was more pronounced against, S. aureus, K. pneumonia than in case of Salmonella typhi and E. coli. Moreover, the inhibition effect of shell extract was more remarkable than that of kernel. The concentration 5mg/ml of both, shell and kernel methanol extract exhibited the highest inhibition zone against all test bacteria compared to antibiotics and methanol alone except against E. coli. The inhibition zone obtained by shell extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, E. coli Salmonella typhi were 20.0 mm, 15.5mm, 4 mm and 3.5mm respectively and that of kernel extract were 10.0mm, 11.0mm, 2mm and 2mm respectively. Generally, the bactericidal activities of both extracts increase with increasing concentration. In conclusion, the current findings were considered promising and encouraging for more research to be carried out in the field of botanical bactericides from the rich flora of the Sudan.