Antimicrobial activity of Santalum album leaf and stem extracts.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of leaf and stem extract of Santalum album
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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M. Giriram Kumar, Indira A. Jeyraaj, R. Jeyaraaj, P. Loganathan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of leaf and stem extract of Santalum album
Year: 2006
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antimicrobial properties of aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of Santalum album, commonly known as sandalwood, against three bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas. Traditionally, various parts of the sandalwood tree have been utilized in Indian medicine for treating a range of ailments, including skin conditions and infections. The presence of secondary metabolites in the plant extracts is thought to contribute to their antimicrobial activities, motivating this research.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Santalum album
The results indicate that leaf extracts of Santalum album possess significantly higher antibacterial activity compared to stem extracts. Inhibition zones measured were 1.4 mm for Pseudomonas, 1.0 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, and 0.8 mm for E. coli when leaf extracts were employed. Conversely, stem extracts demonstrated smaller inhibition zones, with Pseudomonas at 1.0 mm, E. coli at 0.6 mm, and Staphylococcus aureus at 0.4 mm. The leaf extract's greater efficacy is likely due to its higher concentration of antimicrobial compounds. This finding emphasizes the potential for utilizing leaf extracts in pharmaceuticals and natural remedies targeting bacterial infections.
Conclusion
This research underscores the medicinal value of Santalum album, particularly its leaf extracts, in combating bacterial infections. The findings advocate for further research into different parts of the plant and explore the wider pharmacological benefits of Santalum species. The study not only highlights the traditional uses of this plant but also opens avenues for future studies aimed at leveraging its antimicrobial properties in medical applications, emphasizing the economic and therapeutic benefits of cultivating Santalum album.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plant extract was tested for antimicrobial activity in this study?
The study tested the aqueous extract of leaves and stems from Santalum album against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas.
How did the leaf extract perform compared to the stem extract?
The leaf extract showed significantly higher inhibition against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas compared to the stem extract, likely due to a higher amount of secondary metabolites.
What methods were used to measure the antimicrobial activity?
The antimicrobial activity was measured by creating zones of inhibition on nutrient agar plates after incubating the bacterial cultures with the plant extracts.
What future studies are suggested based on this research?
Future studies may involve testing other parts of Santalum album for antimicrobial activity and comparing it with other Santalum species to explore their medicinal properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎ntimicrobial activity of Santalum album leaf and stem extracts.鈥�. 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:
The word 'Activity' refers to the effectiveness or potency of the antimicrobial properties exhibited by extracts of Santalum album. The study highlights the measurable impact of these extracts on bacterial growth, specifically indicating the zones of inhibition around bacteria, which signifies the biological action of the extracts tested. Its relevance underscores the objective nature of scientific experimentation in evaluating natural substances.
2) Santalum album:
'Santalum album' is a species of tree known as sandalwood. Its leaves and stems are the focus of this study regarding their antimicrobial activities. This botanical material has historical medicinal uses in various cultures, including treatments for skin ailments and infections. Its relevance is significant in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.
3) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' encompasses the applications of natural extracts from plants like Santalum album in treating ailments. The study contributes to ethnomedicine by validating traditional uses and exploring the scientific basis for their effectiveness against specific pathogens. This highlights the intersection of traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific practices in health care.
4) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The research employs scientific methods to assess the antimicrobial effects of Santalum album, emphasizing the importance of rigorous methodology in validating traditional practices and enhancing our understanding of medicinal properties of plants.
5) Water:
'Water' serves as a solvent in this study for preparing the aqueous extracts of Santalum album. The use of distilled water is critical in ensuring the purity of the extract and avoiding contamination. This choice reflects the fundamental importance of solvent selection in scientific experiments for accurately assessing solubility and effectiveness of the bioactive compounds.
6) Manas (Mano, Manash, M膩峁噊):
The word 'Mano' references a source of knowledge and expertise, specifically linked to traditional Hawaiian medicine. The acknowledgment of Mano'i illustrates the role of local knowledge holders in promoting natural remedies and the cultural significance of integrating indigenous practices with scientific research, enhancing the credibility and relevance of the study findings.
7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibacterial' denotes the ability of a substance to inhibit the growth or kill bacteria. The focus on the antibacterial properties of Santalum album demonstrates its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. This highlights the significance of research in identifying alternative treatments for bacterial infections, especially against antibiotic-resistant strains.
8) Inflammation:
The term 'Inflammation' refers to the body's response to infection or injury, often associated with symptoms such as redness and swelling. Santalum album has been used traditionally to treat conditions linked with inflammation. Understanding its role in managing inflammation is crucial in exploring holistic approaches to health and developing natural therapeutic agents.
9) Discussion:
'Discussion' pertains to the section of the study where results are interpreted, and implications are drawn. It allows researchers to contextualize their findings within existing literature, compare with similar studies, and propose future research directions. This critical evaluation is essential for advancing scientific discourse and validating the study's hypotheses.
10) Zoology:
'Zoology' refers to the biological study of animals. Although not the primary focus of the study, the reference to various bacterial strains indicates interdisciplinary relevance. The principles of zoology can be applied in understanding the interactions between antibacterial substances and animal pathogens, contributing to broader biological and ecological research.
11) Itching:
The term 'Itching' is associated with skin irritations often treated with herbal remedies from Santalum album. This relation establishes the tree鈥檚 significance in addressing dermatological disorders and underscores anecdotal evidence leading to scientific exploration, presenting a tangible example of how local medicinal practices inform modern therapeutic research.
12) Botany:
'Botany' encompasses the study of plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. This research on Santalum album highlights the fundamental botanical aspects that contribute to understanding medicinal plants. The knowledge of plant biology is essential for developing new medicines and validating traditional uses in various cultures.
13) Drug:
'Drug' pertains to any chemical substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. The focus on the antimicrobial properties of Santalum album extracts positions it as a potential candidate for developing natural drugs. This highlights the significance of herbal pharmacology and the search for alternative therapies within modern medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Antimicrobial activity of Santalum album leaf and stem extracts.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Santalum album, Statistical analysis, Plant material, Antimicrobial activity, Aqueous extract, Secondary metabolite, Nutrient agar, Inhibition zone, Gram-positive cocci, Leaf extract, Stem extract.