Seed-Oil Distillates of Analysis and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

The basis for the ethnomedical use of the seed oils of Thevetla neriifolia in topical preparations for burns has been studied. Seed oils extracted from Thevetia neriifolia were distilled and assessed for antibacterial activity. The series of distillate fractions obtained, showed varying inhibition patterns against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On analysis the activity levels of the distillate fractions were found to have a definite correlation with their glc profile. The results point to avpotential usefulness of the high temperature (>90°c) seed-oil dislillates rather than the untreated seed oils in treating skin lesions. Aldehydes and volatile acids are among the constituents of the distillates.

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