Phytochemical and Biological Screening of Riccinus communis Seed Oil Grown Wild in Jammu & Kashmir

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phyto-constituents present within the seed oil of Ricinus communis and to estimate its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids and saponins whereas flavonoids, anthraquinone and reducing sugars were found absent. Eight phyto-components were identified from the seed oil of R. communis by using GC-MS. The R. communis seed oil showed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined by using in-vitro model namely, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and gallic acid was used as reference. The sample oil showed almost no antioxidant activity.