Antimicrobial properties of ixora coccinea l. (rubiaceae)
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antimicrobial properties of ixora coccinea l. (rubiaceae)
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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P.G. Latha, T.K. Abraham, K.R. Panikkar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial properties of ixora coccinea l. (rubiaceae)
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ixora coccinea L., a shrub native to India, has been utilized in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as dysentery, leucorrhea, and bronchitis. While the plant's ethnomedical uses are well-documented, its antimicrobial properties had not been previously analyzed, particularly concerning its flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a 50% ethanolic extract of Ixora coccinea flowers against bacterial and fungal pathogens, contributing valuable insights into the plant's pharmacological potential.
Effective Inhibitory Concentration
The research found that the effective inhibitory concentration of the Ixora coccinea flower extract was 125 µg/mL for both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. It was observed that as concentrations increased beyond this effective level, the antimicrobial activity diminished, and bacterial revival occurred. This decline in effectiveness at higher concentrations suggests potential resistance mechanisms activated within microbial cells. In addition, the study indicated that the extract inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth of the fungus Aspergillus niger, highlighting that the effective concentration for these activities was notably lower at 25 µg/mL. The results suggest that specific bioactive compounds present in the plant may be responsible for its antimicrobial properties.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the antimicrobial potential of Ixora coccinea flowers, demonstrating activity against significant bacterial and fungal strains. However, the reduced efficacy at higher concentrations suggests a complex interaction between microbial resistance mechanisms and the extract's active components. This research not only validates the traditional uses of Ixora coccinea in indigenous medicine but also points towards the need for further phytochemical analysis. Identifying and isolating the bioactive constituents could pave the way for developing new antimicrobial agents derived from this plant, ultimately enriching pharmacological options available for treating infections.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plant extract was studied for antimicrobial properties?
The study focused on the 50% ethanolic extract of Ixora coccinea L., which showed significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains.
What were the effective concentrations for bacteria and fungi?
The effective inhibitory concentration against bacteria was 125 µg mL-1, while for fungi, it was 25 µg mL-1 for both spore germination and mycelial growth.
Which bacterial and fungal strains were tested in the study?
The bacterial strains tested were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger was used as the fungal strain.
What potential compounds contribute to the antimicrobial activity?
Previous analyses identified biologically active compounds such as rutin, quercetin, and leucocyanidin glycoside in Ixora coccinea, which may be responsible for its antimicrobial effects.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial properties of ixora coccinea l. (rubiaceae)”. 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 of the Ixora coccinea flower extract in inhibiting the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms. The study demonstrated that the extract exhibits antimicrobial activity, highlighting its potential role as a natural remedy against infections. This biological activity is critical for evaluating plant-based treatments in traditional medicine.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic generally refers to substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. This study investigates a plant extract's potential as a natural antibiotic, showcasing how traditional medicinal plants may serve as alternatives or complements to synthetic antibiotics. Understanding antibiotics' role is vital for combating antibiotic resistance.
3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. In this context, the research focuses on Ixora coccinea as a traditional medicinal plant. The findings emphasize the importance of exploring herbal remedies in medicine, particularly within systems like Ayurveda, where plant extracts are commonly used for therapeutic purposes.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to biologically active compounds found in plants, which may impart health benefits. In the study, compounds such as rutin and quercetin found in Ixora coccinea are believed to contribute to its antimicrobial properties. Investigating phytochemicals is crucial for understanding how plant extracts can be utilized in modern medicine and prevention strategies.
5) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemical substances to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells or microbes. While typically associated with cancer treatment, the concept extends to antimicrobial chemotherapy, where plant extracts like Ixora coccinea are explored for their ability to combat microbial infections. This research underscores the potential of natural agents in chemotherapy.
6) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of scientific research that interprets and expounds upon the results. In this study, the discussion emphasizes the extract's effectiveness, mechanism of action, and relevance in traditional and modern medicine. It serves to contextualize findings within existing literature and potential implications for future research and therapeutic applications.
7) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the use of natural herbs, diets, and lifestyle changes for health. The study highlights Ixora coccinea's role in Ayurvedic practices, illustrating how traditional knowledge systems contribute to modern biomedical science. Understanding Ayurveda is important for integrating traditional remedies into contemporary healthcare.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research embodies scientific inquiry by examining Ixora coccinea's antimicrobial properties, applying rigorous methodologies, and contributing to the knowledge base regarding medicinal plants. Science plays a crucial role in validating traditional practices through empirical evidence.
9) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore that develops on the skin or mucous membrane, often requiring treatment. The study's mention of traditional medicinal applications suggests the extract's potential role in treating ulcers, aligning with its reported astringent and antiseptic properties. Understanding conditions like ulcers is important for evaluating herbal remedies' therapeutic use.
10) Latta (Laṭṭā):
Latha refers to P.G. Latha, one of the authors of the study. The inclusion of researchers' names underscores the collaborative nature of scientific work. Their expertise and contributions are essential for credible and thorough investigation into the antimicrobial properties of Ixora coccinea, emphasizing the importance of research teams in advancing knowledge.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antimicrobial properties of ixora coccinea l. (rubiaceae)’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional medicine, Antimicrobial properties, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Nutrient agar, Aspergillus niger, Antibiotic agents, Ayurveda and Unani, Germination Rate, Rutin and Quercetin, Microbial strains, Chloramphenicol, Biologically active constituents, Mycelial growth, Indian medicinal plant.