Authors : Hashem Rahmati, Saeid Salehi, Abdorrasoul Malekpour and Farzaneh Farhangi
Abstract: The methanolic extract of Ricinus communis seeds was studied for its in vitro antimicrobial activities through the Agar Dilution Method. The seed extract of the castor oil plant inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC15156), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Also growth of Candida albicans was inhibited by crude extract of Ricinus communis seeds. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract ranged from 0.723-9 μg mL-1. The phytochemical analysis of the crude extract of this plant seeds revealed the presence of anthocyanin, vitamins A and C a well as a good source of calcium, iron and vitamin B6. It also contains ricin, sterols, tannins and essential oils and can readily be considered as a healthy food. However, more evidence is needed to really sustain any claim related to their medicinal values. The results of the present study suggest that Ricinus communis can be used in treating diseases caused by the test organisms.
Hashem Rahmati, Saeid Salehi, Abdorrasoul Malekpour and Farzaneh Farhangi, 2015. Antimicrobial Activity of Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis) Seeds Extract Against Gram Positive Bacteria, Gram Negative Bacteria and Yeast. International Journal of Molecular Medicine and Advance Sciences, 11: 9-12.