Antimicrobial Study of Essential Oil from Cupressus Leaves
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A Comparative Antimicrobial Study on the Essential Oil of the Leaves of Various Species of Cupressus
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
R. Manivannan, M. Senthil Kumar, N. Jawahar, E. Sai Ganesh, S. Jubie
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A Comparative Antimicrobial Study on the Essential Oil of the Leaves of Various Species of Cupressus
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study examines the antimicrobial properties of essential oils derived from the leaves of various Cupressus species, specifically C. glauca, C. funebris, C. lawsonia, C. macrocarpa, and C. sempervirens. These evergreen trees, commonly known as Cypress, grow abundantly in the Nilgiri region and are valued for their ornamental and medicinal properties. The research aims to explore the antimicrobial activity of these essential oils against certain bacterial and fungal strains, thereby establishing their potential therapeutic applications.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Cupressus Species
The research findings reveal that essential oils from the leaves of several Cupressus species exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activities. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for antibacterial action were found to be predominantly 200 μg/ml for C. funebris, C. glauca, C. lawsonia, and C. sempervirens against various bacteria, while C. macrocarpa displayed a lower MIC of 100 μg/ml against gram-negative bacteria. In terms of antifungal activity, C. macrocarpa was notably effective against Candida albicans at a concentration of 50 μg/ml, indicating that different species exhibit varying levels of efficacy against specific pathogens.
Conclusion
The essential oils from the leaves of Cupressus species demonstrate notable antimicrobial effects, highlighting their potential as natural antibacterial and antifungal agents. The study establishes a basis for further research in exploring these oils as therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of infections caused by resistant strains of bacteria and fungi. Given their efficacy and the rising concern about antimicrobial resistance, Cupressus essential oils could be a valuable addition to conventional treatment options, warranting further investigation and clinical application.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Cupressus essential oils?
The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils from various Cupressus species against specific gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi.
Which Cupressus species showed significant antimicrobial activity?
The species C.glauca, C.funebris, C.lawsonia, and C.sempervirens exhibited notable antibacterial activity, while C.macrocarpa showed higher activity against gram-negative bacteria and certain fungi.
How was the essential oil extracted from Cupressus leaves?
Essential oils were extracted using a hydro-distillation method with Clevenger’s apparatus from fresh and dried leaves of various Cupressus species.
What concentrations were used to test antimicrobial activity?
The antimicrobial activity was assessed using a two-fold serial dilution technique, with working stock culture concentrations ranging from 10^6 to 10^8 cfu/ml, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 mcg/ml.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial Study of Essential Oil from Cupressus Leaves�. 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) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness or potency of a substance, in this context, the essential oils derived from the leaves of various Cupressus species. The study assesses their antimicrobial properties, indicating how well these oils can inhibit the growth of specific bacteria and fungi, which is critical for evaluating their potential therapeutic applications.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial pertains to the ability of a substance to prevent the growth or kill bacteria. In the study, the essential oils from Cupressus species demonstrated significant antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This highlights their potential use in developing natural antibacterial agents for medicinal purposes.
3) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or injury, manifesting as redness, swelling, and pain. The context of this study notes the historical use of Cupressus in treating inflammation, suggesting that its essential oils may have supplemental benefits beyond antimicrobial activities in managing inflammatory conditions.
4) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the research where findings are interpreted and analyzed. Here, it encompasses the evaluation of the antimicrobial results, comparing the effectiveness of different Cupressus species and the implications of their essential oils' activities for potential therapeutic uses in medicine and pharmacology.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science signifies the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research exemplifies scientific inquiry, focusing on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils. It contributes to our understanding of plant-derived compounds and their applications in healthcare, bridging phytochemistry and microbiology.
6) Water:
Water plays a fundamental role in the method of extraction for essential oils, specifically in hydro-distillation. It serves as a solvent in the extraction process, facilitating the release of essential oil components from the plant material. The purity and quality of water used can influence the final oil's effectiveness and composition.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antimicrobial Study of Essential Oil from Cupressus Leaves�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Essential oil, Antibacterial activity, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Antifungal activity, Volatile oil, Hydro-distillation method, Gram positive, Gram negative, Antimicrobial Study, Bacterial strain, Collection and Identification.