ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (4), pp. 001-003, November, 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Anti-termite and antimicrobial properties of paint made from Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) Schum. oil extract
P. G. Kareru1*, J. M. Keriko1, G. M. Kenji2 and A. N. Gachanja1
1Chemistry Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.
2Food Science and Technology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.
Accepted 5 March, 2014
Abstract
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum. seed oil was used to make a surface coating with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-termite properties. The paint exhibited inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans in a concentration dependent manner. The antibacterial activities were statistically significant (p = 0.05). The repellent action of paint against subterranean termites (Microtermes spp.) was significant (p = 0.03). From these results, it was concluded that the Thevetia peruviana-based oil paint was self-preserving against microbes and substantially protected wood from subterranean termite attack.
Key words: Thevetia peruviana, anti-termite, antifungal.