Phytochemical study and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Preliminary phytochemical investigation and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thorn.
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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R. Dhandapani, D. Lakshmi, V. Balakrishnan, S. Jayakumar, Anandha kumar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Preliminary phytochemical investigation and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thorn.
Year: 2007
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Phyllanthus amarus Schum & Thorn, a plant native to West Pakistan and western India, is known for its diuretic, stomachic, and antiseptic properties. It is commonly found as a winter weed throughout the hotter regions of India and is often cultivated in loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Previous research has noted the presence of various phytochemicals within the plant, including phyllanthin, a toxic compound, and other beneficial constituents that contribute to its traditional medicinal uses, such as treating digestive disorders and jaundice. This study aims to investigate the preliminary phytochemical and antibacterial activities of the aqueous extracts from the leaves and roots of Phyllanthus amarus against human pathogens.
Antibacterial Activity of Phyllanthus amarus
The study revealed significant antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus amarus against various human pathogens, with concentrations showing effectiveness between 60 and 500 µg/ml. The extracts demonstrated remarkable inhibition against eight bacterial species, including Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, confirming the plant's traditional uses. Phytochemical screening identified the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, tannins, proteins, amino acids, lignins, and saponins in both leaf and root extracts. These constituents are believed to play a pivotal role in the observed antimicrobial activity, lending credence to the use of Phyllanthus amarus in folk medicine for treating infections.
Conclusion
The findings of this research underscore the therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus amarus as a natural antibacterial agent, particularly against dental pathogens. Its extensive phytochemical profile and demonstrated efficacy against a range of pathogenic bacteria indicate that the plant could serve as a valuable resource in the development of alternative antimicrobial treatments. Continued exploration of its active compounds may provide further insights into their mechanisms of action, thereby enhancing its medicinal applications and contributing to the broader field of phytotherapy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Phyllanthus amarus and its common usage?
Phyllanthus amarus is a herb known for its medicinal properties. It is utilized as a diuretic, stomachic, and antiseptic, often for treating jaundice and digestive issues.
What were the methods used for antibacterial screening?
The antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus was evaluated using the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tested through broth dilution method at varying concentrations.
Which microorganisms were tested against Phyllanthus amarus extracts?
The extracts were tested against both gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, among others, to determine their antibacterial efficacy.
What phytochemicals were found in Phyllanthus amarus?
The preliminary phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, tannins, proteins, amino acids, lignins, and saponins in both leaf and root extracts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical study and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus.”. 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 biological response elicited by substances, in this case, the antibacterial activity observed in the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus. The study focuses on assessing how effectively the extracts inhibit the growth of various human pathogenic bacteria, indicating potential therapeutic applications.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial describes the property of a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. The study highlights the antibacterial effects of Phyllanthus amarus against multiple strains of pathogenic bacteria, suggesting its utility as a natural remedy in treating bacterial infections.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the biologically active compounds found in plants. The study investigates various phytochemicals present in the extracts of Phyllanthus amarus, such as alkaloids and tannins, which contribute to its medicinal properties, including antibacterial effects against human pathogens.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In this context, the paper employs scientific methods to investigate the biological activity of Phyllanthus amarus, contributing to the understanding of medicinal plant properties and their potential applications in healthcare.
5) Drug:
Drug refers to a substance used for medical treatment. The aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus is evaluated as a potential drug for its antibacterial properties. Understanding the pharmacological aspects of such extracts could lead to their development into new therapeutic agents.
6) Bitter:
Bitter refers to a taste sensation often associated with certain phytochemicals in plants. Phyllanthus amarus contains a toxic bitter principle called phyllanthin, which may contribute to its medicinal effects but limits its palatability in some applications. Bitterness can serve as a secondary indicator of pharmaceutical potential.
7) Water:
Water is a universal solvent and is crucial for the extraction of phytochemicals from plants. In this study, distilled water is used to prepare the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus, enabling the isolation of bioactive compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity against specific pathogens.
8) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore or open wound on the skin or mucous membrane. The study mentions the usage of Phyllanthus amarus in traditional medicine for treating ulcers, indicating its potential therapeutic application. Understanding its antibacterial properties opens avenues for ulcer management.
9) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos is a medicinal plant noted for its health benefits. The mention in the study contextualizes the exploration of phytochemicals in various plants. Comparing different medicinal plants like Phyllanthus amarus and Aegle marmelos can help in understanding broader antibacterial properties across species.
10) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical segment of scientific papers where results are interpreted, highlighting their significance and implications. This section of the study analyzes the antibacterial properties of Phyllanthus amarus in relation to other herbal remedies, providing insights into potential applications in treating infections.
11) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid refers to a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Though not explicitly detailed in the study, the exploration of phytochemical constituents could include flavonoids, which may contribute to the observed antibacterial activity of the extracts against pathogens.
12) Lakshmi (Lakṣmī):
Lakshmi refers to one of the authors of the study, D. Lakshmi. The inclusion of authors provides credibility and context to the research, showcasing collaboration among various researchers in the investigation of Phyllanthus amarus and its medicinal properties.
13) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma refers to an author, S.R. Sharma, contributing to the study's credibility. Including authors' names ensures proper recognition and accountability in research, highlighting collaboration among researchers focusing on medicinal plants and their potential antibacterial effects.
14) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants. The research involves botany principles in examining the phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications of Phyllanthus amarus, linking plant science to practical medicinal uses and the understanding of plant-based antibacterial agents.
15) Manure:
Manure refers to organic matter used to fertilize soil. The study notes that Phyllanthus amarus thrives in loamy soil enriched with organic substances like cow manure. This highlights the ecological requirements for cultivating such medicinal plants and underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
16) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is a staple food and, in this context, is mentioned regarding its use in traditional poultices for treating swelling and ulcers. It emphasizes the cultural and medicinal practices involving combined use of plant extracts with rice water to create therapeutic applications.
17) Fish:
Fish is referenced concerning the toxicity of phyllanthin present in Phyllanthus amarus, which affects aquatic life. Understanding the environmental impact of phytochemicals is essential; thus, this knowledge informs the safe application of such plants in traditional and modern remedies.
18) Hand:
Hand refers to the act of preparing poultices and administering herbal treatments. The mention implies the manual methods of preparing traditional remedies involving Phyllanthus amarus, reflecting historical practices in folk medicine that continue into contemporary herbal therapies.
19) Milk:
Milk is noted in the context of administering the roots of Phyllanthus amarus. It is traditionally used as a galactagogue in certain cultures, emphasizing the integration of plant extracts with dietary components for therapeutic benefits, showcasing a holistic approach to health.
20) Soil:
Soil is fundamental for plant growth, and its quality affects the health benefits of medicinal plants. The study highlights the ideal soil mixture for cultivating Phyllanthus amarus, linking soil composition and nutrient availability to the phytochemical profile and efficacy of the plant's extracts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phytochemical study and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus amarus.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional medicine, Dried leaves, Antibacterial activity, Antimicrobial activity, Disc diffusion method, Zone of inhibition, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Pathogenic bacteria, Phytochemical Investigation, Aqueous extract, Staphylococcus aureus, Gram positive bacteria, Saponins and tannins, Chemical compound, Phyllanthus amarus, Fresh roots.