Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Ricinus communis Linn. Seed oil

Abstract

Ricinus communis (R. communis) is a plant in the spurge family that has been traditionally used to treat numerous ailments. The study aims to evaluate the phytochemicals present in R. communis seed oil and its antimicrobial efficacy. The phytochemicals were quantified using standard procedures, and antimicrobial activity was carried out using broth dilution method at -100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/ml of the seed oil against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins were detected with varying concentrations. The highest MIC value, 100 mg/ml, was recorded against fungal isolates, while the lowest, 12.5 mg/ml, was recorded against S. naureus. Similarly, the highest MLC was recorded against the fungal isolates, and the lowest value of 50 mg/ml was recorded against all the bacterial species. The seed oil contained an appreciable amount of phytochemicals and exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested isolates.