Antimicrobial, phytochemical and larvicidal properties of Jatropha multifida Linn

To evaluate the phytochemical, antimicrobial and insecticidal properties of different extracts of Jatropha multifida (J. multifida) in Mauritius.

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for the determination of the presence of phytochemicals in the crude solvent extracts of J. multifida. The antimicrobial sensitivity (disc diffusion method) and antibacterial activity (microdilution method) of 13 microorganisms were reported. The insecticidal properties of the crude solvent extracts were tested against the larvae of two insects, Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), which cause important economic losses to local fruits.

Ethyl acetate was proved to be a good solvent for extraction. J. multifida showed very interesting activity against Bacillus algicola and Staphylococcus epidermis. The plant also showed good larvacidal activity against Bactrocera zonata.

This paper reports the dual use of J. multifida, hence further studies can be made in term of application.