Abstract Parkinsonia aculeata is used traditionally as antipyretic, and leaves are said to be diaphoretic and abortifacient. Leaves are used against fever, malaria and rheumatic pain. The Leaves are also used in the treatment of bacterial infections, typhoid fever and diabetes. In this study Parkinsonia aculeata oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The analysis affirmed the presence of 33 components dominated by:(i) 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (40.51%) (ii) hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (16.80%) (iii) methyl stearate (10.97%) (iv) 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (5.05%). The oil was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against 5 standard human pathogens. It showed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
Keywords Parkinsonia aculeata, GC-MS analysis, Antimicrobial Activity.