Effect of ethanol and aqueous extract of Ricinus communis on bacteria isolated from wound infection

The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Ricinus communis used for the treatment of infections disease were tested for their active against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria isolated from burns infection culture using the broth dilution and disc diffusion method. Results of this study revealed the presence of phytochemical which were active against gram positive and negative bacteria. Ethanol extracts of plant showed highest activity other than aqueous extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the aqueous extracts on the test organism was 25- 100 mg\ml, while that of the ethanol extract ranged between 25 -50 mg\ml on the test organisms, the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) ranging between 25-100 mg\ml for ethanol extract, and 25-200 mg\ml for aqueous extracts. The highest activity at 45 oC was demonstrated by the ethanol extracts of S. rosmarinus against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp. In this study plant extracts against gram negative bacteria showed activity in acidic pH only in contrast of gram-positive bacteria which were constant in plant extract. R. communis contained essential elements at higher levels. The results of this study suggest the possibility of using the ethanolic extracts of plant in treating diseases caused by the test organisms, especially when prepared at acidic pH.