Antimicrobial activity of selected herbal extracts
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of selected herbal extracts
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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K. Gowthamarajan, T. Giriraj Kulkarni, N. Mahadevan, K. Santhi, B. Suresh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of selected herbal extracts
Year: 2002
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts from the oleoresins of Araucaria bidwillii and the aerial parts of Cytisus scoparius, locally available plants in the Nilgiris district. With increasing interest in natural remedies due to environmental concerns, this research aims to explore the antibacterial and antifungal potential of these plants, traditionally used by local tribes for treating various ailments. The antimicrobial properties were assessed against two bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), as well as two fungal strains, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Efficacy of Extracts
The methanolic extract of A. bidwillii exhibited particularly effective antimicrobial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31.25 µg/ml against B. subtilis, outperforming the standard antibiotic ampicillin (MIC: 62.5 µg/ml). In comparison, the extract from C. scoparius showed MIC values of 250 µg/ml for B. subtilis and 500 µg/ml for all other tested strains, indicating a good but comparatively lower efficacy than both A. bidwillii and standard drugs. This suggests that while both plant extracts demonstrate antimicrobial potential, A. bidwillii holds the most promise against Gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the significance of A. bidwillii and C. scoparius as potential sources of antimicrobial agents, particularly in light of rising antibiotic resistance issues. The results affirm the need for further research into these plants to explore their efficacy across a broader range of pathogenic microorganisms and to understand their active compounds. The exploration of traditional plant-based treatments could be an essential step in complementing contemporary antimicrobial therapies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What herbal extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity in the study?
The study tested methanolic extracts of oleoresins from Araucaria bidwilli and aerial parts of Cytisus scoparius against various bacterial and fungal strains.
Which microorganisms were targeted in the antimicrobial activity assessment?
The microorganisms tested included two bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, and two fungal strains: Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
What was the method used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations?
The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using a two-fold serial dilution technique in seeded broth with different concentrations of the extracts.
How did Araucaria bidwilli perform compared to standard antibiotics?
Araucaria bidwilli showed a MIC of 31.25 µg/ml against Bacillus subtilis, outperforming ampicillin for this strain, while its effectiveness was less for other tested microorganisms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial activity of selected herbal extracts�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. In this study, the focus is on herbal extracts as potential natural drugs, emphasizing a shift toward ecological and plant-based remedies. These natural drugs offer alternative treatments that may reduce reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context pertains to the biological effects that the herbal extracts exhibit against harmful microorganisms. The study assesses the antimicrobial activity by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). This quantification demonstrates how effective these extracts can be in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers specifically to compounds or extracts that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The research emphasizes the antibacterial properties of the methanolic extracts of Araucaria bidwilli and Cytisus scoparius. Establishing their effectiveness against specific bacterial strains highlights their potential as natural antibacterial agents.
4) Discussion:
Discussion is an integral part of scientific research, where researchers analyze and interpret results. In this study, the discussion evaluates the antimicrobial effectiveness of the extracts in relation to established standards. This section contextualizes findings within broader scientific knowledge, suggesting future research directions for these herbal remedies.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions. In this study, the application of the scientific method—hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis—validates the exploration of herbal antimicrobials, showcasing the importance of empirical evidence in discovering new therapeutic agents.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antimicrobial activity of selected herbal extracts�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antimicrobial activity, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Standard drug, Methanolic extract, Cardiovascular disorder, Bacillus subtilis, Serial dilution technique, Crude extract, Cryptococcus neoformans, Plant based antimicrobials, Desiccator.