Emergence of mesua ferrea linn. leaf extract as a potent bactericide
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Emergence of mesua ferrea linn. leaf extract as a potent bactericide
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.
Rupa Mazumder, Sujata G. Dastidar, S.P. Basu, Avijit Mazumder, Sanjay Kumar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Emergence of mesua ferrea linn. leaf extract as a potent bactericide
Year: 2003
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antibacterial properties of the methanolic extract of Mesua ferrea Linn. leaves, a medicinal plant known for its extensive use in traditional Indian medicine. Colloquially referred to as ‘Naagkesar’ in various Indian languages, Mesua ferrea has multiple therapeutic applications, including treatments for dysentery, snake bites, and rheumatism. Previous research has reported antibacterial and antifungal activities in different parts of the plant, particularly the flowers. This study aims to evaluate the leaf extract's effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative strains.
Antibacterial Activity of Mesua Ferrea Linn. Leaf Extract
The research reveals significant antibacterial activity of the Mesua ferrea leaf extract against 103 bacterial strains, particularly focusing on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Shigella spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined, with the extract proving potent against several pathogens, comparable to the standard antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. The extract demonstrated bactericidal action, reducing colony-forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus aureus to zero after 18 hours of treatment. This result indicates that not only does the extract inhibit bacterial growth, but it also effectively kills the bacteria at concentrations above the MIC.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Mesua ferrea Linn. leaves exhibits significant antibacterial effects against various pathogenic bacteria, supporting its potential application in treating bacterial infections, particularly those related to dysentery. The findings underline the need for further investigation to isolate and identify the specific chemical components responsible for the antibacterial activities observed. This research not only reinforces the medicinal value of Mesua ferrea in traditional medicine but also opens avenues for the development of new antimicrobial agents from natural sources.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Mesua ferrea Linn. commonly known as?
Mesua ferrea Linn. is commonly known as 'Naagkesar' in Bengali, Hindi, and Punjabi, 'Naagchampa' in Gujarat and Konkan, and 'Naagakeshara' in Sanskrit.
What was the purpose of the study on Mesua ferrea Linn. leaves?
The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Mesua ferrea Linn. against various strains of bacteria.
What method was used to test the antibacterial potential of the extract?
The antibacterial potential was assessed using the agar dilution technique and disc diffusion method, comparing results with the standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
What were the findings regarding the antibacterial effectiveness of the extract?
The methanolic extract showed significant bactericidal effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and other strains, indicating its use as a potential antibacterial agent.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Emergence of mesua ferrea linn. leaf extract as a potent bactericide”. 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) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An 'antibiotic' is a type of antimicrobial substance used to treat bacterial infections. In this study, the methanolic extract's antibacterial efficacy was compared with the standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Understanding how natural extracts compare to conventional antibiotics can pave the way for integrating traditional medicine into modern therapeutic practices.
2) Mesua ferrea:
Mesua ferrea, commonly known as 'Naagkesar' or 'Naagchampa', is a tree whose leaves and other parts are traditionally used in Indian medicine. This study specifically investigates the antibacterial properties of its leaves, highlighting the relevance of this plant in both phytotherapy and pharmaceutical applications.
3) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context relates to the systematic study and experimentation to understand the antibacterial properties of the leaf extract of Mesua ferrea. The research employs scientific methodologies, including the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and comparative analysis with standard pharmaceuticals, reflecting the rigor of scientific inquiry.
4) Activity:
'Activity' in this study refers to the biological effectiveness or potency of the Mesua ferrea leaf extract against various bacterial strains. The assessment of this activity, measured through various tests such as disc diffusion, is crucial for establishing its potential as a bactericidal agent in treating infections.
5) Discussion:
'Discussion' pertains to the interpretation of results obtained from the experiments conducted in the study. This section elaborates on the implications of findings regarding the antibacterial properties of Mesua ferrea and situates them within existing literature, fostering a deeper understanding of the extract's potential utility.
6) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra refers to a research methodology on bacterial counts established by Miles and Mishra. This technique was used to determine the efficiency of Mesua ferrea leaf extract in decreasing bacterial colony-forming units over time, emphasizing the rigor and replicability that defines scientific studies in microbiology.
7) Water:
'Water' in this context serves as a solvent for preparing ciprofloxacin solutions during antibacterial tests. It highlights the importance of maintaining sterile conditions and the role of solvents in the extraction and testing of medicinal compounds, illustrating foundational principles in laboratory practices.
8) Cuta (Cūta, Cūṭā, Cutā):
Though 'Cuta' itself may not hold direct significance, it appears as part of 'cutaneous' in reference to the external applications of seed oil from Mesua ferrea against skin conditions. This relevance points to the plant's diverse therapeutic applications, particularly in treating dermatological issues.
9) Shona (Śoṇa, Soṇa, Sona, Śoṇā, Soṇā, Soshna):
'Sona' refers to specific bacterial strains collected from S.C.B. Medical College as part of the research materials. The context here illustrates the sourcing of strains for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, reinforcing the importance of legitimate strain provenance in validating experimental results and achieving reproducibility.
10) Rupa (Rūpa):
Rupa is one of the authors associated with the study. The mention of individual researchers emphasizes collaborative scientific efforts. Each author's contribution is vital to the integrity and depth of the investigation, showcasing the importance of teamwork in advancing scientific knowledge about natural medicines.
11) Vari (Vāri):
'Vari' likely relates to the variable nature of bacterial responses to antibacterial agents. The research highlights how different bacterial strains exhibit varying levels of sensitivity to the methanolic extract, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches in antibiotic treatments and the continuing need for research in this area.
12) Drug:
In this study, 'drug' pertains to the potential of Mesua ferrea leaf extract being developed into a therapeutic agent with antibacterial properties. This prompts discussions regarding natural products as drug sources, aligning with contemporary trends in pharmaceutical research seeking alternatives to synthetic compounds.