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Unveiling the Antimicrobial Potential of Ricinus communis: A Comprehensive Review of Its Relevance to Surgical Site

Alok Kumar Arya1, Gaurav Kumar2, Vineet SIngh3

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajarshi Dashrath Autonomous State Medical College, Ayodhya, IND.

Cureus
|January 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Ricinus communis (castor oil plant) extracts show potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria common in surgical site infections. This plant offers a promising natural alternative for managing infections, pending further clinical validation.

Area of Science:

  • Phytochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant healthcare burden, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance.
  • Conventional antibiotics face challenges including resistance, poor bioavailability, and toxicity, driving the search for alternatives.
  • Plant-based therapies are gaining interest due to their potential for safe and effective antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and microbiological evidence for the antimicrobial potential of Ricinus communis.
  • To evaluate R. communis activity against bacterial pathogens commonly implicated in SSIs.
  • To identify key bioactive compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial effects.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and microbiological studies on Ricinus communis.
  • Analysis of studies reporting antimicrobial activity against relevant bacterial strains.
  • Identification of phytoconstituents associated with antimicrobial effects.

Main Results:

  • Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of R. communis leaves demonstrate significant inhibitory activity.
  • Activity was observed against multidrug-resistant pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Key bioactive compounds identified include ricinine, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and flavonoid derivatives.

Conclusions:

  • Ricinus communis exhibits considerable potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for managing SSIs.
  • Bioactive compounds in R. communis contribute to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
  • Further research on safety, pharmacokinetics, standardization, and clinical trials is necessary for therapeutic integration.
Keywords:
antimicrobial resistancemedicinal plantsmethanolic extractphytotherapyricinus communissurgical site infection

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