Abstract Corchorus olitorius L. is a vegetable in the family Tiliaceae. It is widely grown in northern and central Sudan both under irrigation and rain-fed conditions. Seeds, leaves, roots and stems are used in traditional medicine. Leaves are used as demulcent, tonic and laxative. Leaves are also used against cystitis, dysuria and gonorrhea. Seeds are laxative and roots are used for toothache
In this study Corchorus olitorius oil has been analyzed by GC-MS. The analysis showed 22 components. Major constituents are: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester(46.95%); hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (23.29%); methyl stearate (11.61%); 9,12 15- octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (4.81%) and eicosanoic acid, methyl ester (4.34%).
The anitmicrobial activity of the essential oil has been assessed. The oil showed significant activity against Bacillus subtilis. It also exhibited significant anticandidal potency. It showed moderate activity against other test microorganisms.
Keywords Corchorus olitorius, Oil, GC-MS Analysis, Antimirobial Activity.