Anti bacterials from boerhaavia diffusa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti bacterials from boerhaavia diffusa
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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Hamsaveni Gopal, Saradha Vasanth, J. Herbat Mebel
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti bacterials from boerhaavia diffusa
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Boerhaavia diffusa Linn., commonly known as Punarnava in Ayurveda, is recognized for its various medicinal properties including diuretic, anti-convulsant, expectorant, analgesic, purgative, anthelmintic, and febrifuge effects. This study investigates the antibacterial properties of chloroform and ethanol extracts from the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa against several bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella aerogenes. Previous studies have indicated other beneficial effects of the plant, such as anti-inflammatory and cardiotonic activities, prompting a more detailed examination of its antibacterial efficacy.
Antibacterial Activity of Extracts
The research identified that the chloroform extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with varying degrees of efficacy against the other strains tested. The n-butanol extract derived from the alcohol extract was notably active against P. mirabilis and S. typhimurium. A phenolic compound isolated from this extract demonstrated promising antibacterial activity specifically against P. mirabilis. The research employed chromatography techniques to separate active compounds, including fractions that indicated activity based on a disk diffusion method on culture plates, further isolating a glycoside identified as β-Sitosterol–β-D-glycopyranoside, although it did not show antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of Boerhaavia diffusa as a source of natural antibacterial agents, particularly highlighting the significance of the phenolic compound derived from the plant's extracts. The promising results against several pathogenic bacteria warrant further research into its active constituents and their mechanisms of action. The findings contribute to the understanding of traditional medicinal plants and their applications in modern pharmacology, supporting the need for ongoing investigation into plant-based antibacterial therapies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Boerhaavia diffusa and its uses in Ayurveda?
Boerhaavia diffusa, known as Punarnava in Ayurveda, is used as a diuretic, anti-convulsant, expectorant, analgesic, purgative, anthelmintic, and febrifuge, and it is reported to improve milk yield in cows.
Which bacterial strains were tested against Boerhaavia diffusa extracts?
The extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella aerogenes.
What were the main findings regarding the antibacterial activity?
Chloroform and alcohol extracts showed activity against several bacteria, with significant inhibition observed for E. coli and P. aeruginosa. A phenolic compound exhibited activity specifically against P. mirabilis.
What methods were used to extract and test the plant's compounds?
The root of Boerhaavia diffusa was extracted using chloroform and ethanol, followed by chromatographic techniques. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disk diffusion method.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti bacterials from boerhaavia diffusa”. 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 measurable effect or response of biological agents, in this case, the antibacterial properties exhibited by extracts from Boerhaavia diffusa when tested against various bacteria. This term is crucial as it defines the effectiveness of the plant extracts, guiding further research and potential medicinal applications.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial is a synonym for antibacterial, used to describe substances or actions that combat or prevent bacterial infections. This term is integral to the study as it supports the classification of Boerhaavia diffusa's extracts as potential remedies, emphasizing their importance in addressing bacterial drug resistance and health issues.
3) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance among body systems. The inclusion of Ayurveda highlights the traditional uses of Boerhaavia diffusa, lending credibility to the exploration of its pharmacological properties and allowing a cultural context in which these extracts are traditionally utilized for health benefits.
4) Sugar:
Sugar, in this context, refers to the monosaccharide obtained from the hydrolysis of the phenolic glucoside isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa. Its identification is significant, as it signifies the potential bioactive components that play a role in the antibacterial properties, contributing to understanding the therapeutic value of the plant.
5) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section in scientific literature where findings are interpreted and implications are considered. In the studied paper, this part is vital for analyzing results, comparing efficacy against different bacteria, and providing insights into the significance of the research outcomes, shaping future directions.
6) Punarnava (Punarnavā, Punarṇava, Punar-nava):
Punarnava, the vernacular name for Boerhaavia diffusa in Ayurveda, indicates its cultural and traditional importance as a medicinal plant. The term underscores the historical context of the study, connecting ancient practices to modern scientific research, thereby illustrating the continuum of knowledge in herbal medicine.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, pertains to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The paper exemplifies scientific inquiry by utilizing methods such as extraction, chromatography, and antibacterial testing, reinforcing the importance of empirical evidence in validating traditional medicinal claims.
8) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology studying plants. In this research, it highlights the identification and classification of Boerhaavia diffusa, crucial for understanding its pharmacological properties and ensuring credibility in the utilization of plants for therapeutic purposes, linking traditional knowledge with scientific exploration.
9) Water:
Water is mentioned as a solvent used in the extraction processes during the study. Its relevance lies in its role as a primary medium for various chemical reactions and extractions. Understanding the solubility properties of active compounds in water versus organic solvents is essential for effective pharmaceutical formulation.
10) Shri (Śri, Śrī, Śṝ, Sṛ, Sṝ):
Shri is a respectful title used in Indian culture, often preceding a person's name. In the context of the paper, it acknowledges individuals involved in the research, reflecting the collaborative effort in scientific endeavors and honoring contributions that are essential to the study's completion and integrity.
11) Milk:
Milk is mentioned in connection to the benefits attributed to Boerhaavia diffusa for improving milk yield in cows. Its relevance lies in the plant's agricultural and veterinary applications, signifying its broader implications beyond human medicine, indicating a multifaceted approach to harnessing herbal remedies.
12) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance utilized for medical purposes, often to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. The study's exploration of Boerhaavia diffusa’s extracts aims at identifying potential new drugs, emphasizing the broader goal of combating bacterial infections, which is crucial in the ever-evolving field of pharmaceuticals.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anti bacterials from boerhaavia diffusa’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Active principle, Antibacterial activity, Anti-inflammatory activities, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chloroform extract, Ethyl acetate extract, Ancient Science of life, Salmonella typhimurium, Disk diffusion method, Boerhaavia diffusa, Phenolic compound, Diuretic activities, Alcohol extract, N-butanol extract, Glycoside, Cardiotonic activities, Klebsiella aerogenes.