GCMS analysis and antimicrobial action of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia

Euphorbia caducifolia is conspicuously and regularly represented in the flora of the Rajasthan state. Latex of E. caducifolia is used to cure skin infections, cutaneous eruption, leucoderma and applied to cuts and wounds for speedy healing. The GCMS analysis of fraction isolated from latex showed presence of methyl palmitate, 5,9-heptadecadienoate, methyl 11 octadecenoate, methyl octadecenoate and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl- 2-hexadecene-l-ol. Isolated fraction of E. caducifolia (IFEC) and latex of E. caducifolia (ECL) were tested against S. aureus, M. luteus, B. subtilis, E. coli, S. typhi, A. niger and C. albicans. IFEC was found to be more effective against fungal species, and MIC was found to be 150 μg/ml against A. niger. [J Intercult Ethnopharmacol 2012; 1(2.000): 119-123]