Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of selected medicinal plants

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of selected medicinal plants
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Vijay Kumar, Umesh Kumar and Veeru Prakas


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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of selected medicinal plants

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of five medicinal plants: Acorus calamus, Pelargonium graveolens, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon citratus. These plants are noted for their rich bioactive compounds, traditionally utilized in various medicinal practices. The extracts were analyzed for their efficacy against specific bacterial strains and their antioxidant properties, particularly focusing on total phenolic content as a contributing factor to their biological activities.

Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Among the studied plants, Pelargonium graveolens exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the others, indicating its potential benefits in protecting against oxidative stress. The study also highlighted a strong correlation between the total phenolic content of the extracts and their antioxidant efficacy, reinforcing the notion that phenolic compounds play a pivotal role in scavenging free radicals.

Antimicrobial Activity

The antimicrobial potentials of the ethanolic extracts were evaluated through the agar well diffusion method, revealing inhibitory effects against various bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae. Each plant showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity, with Acorus calamus demonstrating the highest inhibition zone against E. coli and Cymbopogon nardus the most against S. aureus. These findings emphasize the therapeutic value of these plants in combating bacterial infections.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

The study determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts against the tested bacteria. The results showed varying MIC values for the different plant extracts, indicating their relative effectiveness. Notably, Cymbopogon citratus demonstrated the lowest MIC against S. aureus and E. coli, suggesting its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents.

Conclusion

This research underscores the significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected medicinal plants, establishing a positive relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. The findings pave the way for future studies aimed at isolating active compounds from these plants, enhancing the potential for developing novel antimicrobial and antioxidant therapies from natural resources. Further phytochemical investigations are essential to unravel the specific compounds responsible for these beneficial effects.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What medicinal plants were studied for antioxidant and antibacterial properties?

The study evaluated five medicinal plants: Acorus calamus, Pelargonium graveolens, Cymbopogon martini, Cymbopogon nardus, and Cymbopogon citratus for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Which plant showed the highest antioxidant activity in the study?

Pelargonium graveolens exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with a percentage of inhibition reaching 68.89% at a concentration of 50 µg/ml.

What method was used to measure antioxidant activity?

Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH free radical scavenging method, where absorbance changes were analyzed at 517 nm, indicating the inhibitory capacity of extracts.

How was the antibacterial activity of plant extracts assessed?

Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, where the zone of inhibition around wells containing plant extracts was measured after incubation.

Which bacteria were tested against the plant extracts?

The study tested the antibacterial effects of plant extracts against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae.

What is the significance of total phenol content in the study?

Total phenolic content correlated with antioxidant activity, indicating that higher phenolic compounds in plants lead to enhanced antioxidant properties, crucial for health benefits.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of selected medicinal plants”. 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 here refers to the measurable effect or response observed in biological or chemical processes conducted during research, particularly in assessing the efficacy of medicinal plants in inhibiting bacterial growth or scavenging free radicals. Understanding such activities is essential for evaluating potential therapeutic uses.

2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic describes a class of drugs that help stop bacterial growth or kill bacteria outright. The study stresses the significance of discovering plant sources of antibiotics as alternatives to synthetic drugs, especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance among various bacterial strains.

3) Aureus:
Aureus typically refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium that can cause a variety of illnesses, including skin infections and more serious conditions like pneumonia. The study investigates the efficacy of plant extracts against this bacterium, emphasizing the importance of finding natural antimicrobial agents.

4) Table:
In research documentation, a table is used to systematically present data in an organized manner, allowing for easy comparison and analysis. The tables within this study display results related to antioxidant activity and antibacterial effectiveness of various medicinal plants, aiding in data interpretation.

5) Study (Studying):
The term study refers to the systematic investigation conducted to evaluate the effects of certain medicinal plants on antioxidant and antibacterial activity. It encompasses planning, methodology, and analysis, contributing to the body of knowledge regarding natural remedies and their pharmacological potentials.

6) Drug:
Drug indicates a substance used for medical treatment, particularly to cure, alleviate, or prevent diseases. In the context of this research, the aim is to identify plant-derived compounds that could lead to the development of new drugs, particularly in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance.

7) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The research conducted on medicinal plants aims to explore their therapeutic properties, highlighting the importance of traditional and natural forms of medicine as viable options in healthcare.

8) Agriculture:
Agriculture refers to the practice of cultivating plants and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. The connection to the study lies in the use of medicinal plants, which can be integrated into agricultural practices to offer health benefits and promote biodiversity.

9) Science (Scientific):
Science represents a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The study exemplifies scientific inquiry by investigating medicinal plants' efficacy through rigorous experimental methods and data analysis.

10) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar, in this context, likely refers to one of the authors of the research study, embodying the contributions of individual researchers in advancing scientific knowledge. Acknowledgment of researchers personalizes scientific outputs and highlights collaboration in producing valuable research.

11) Water:
Water is a vital solvent in biological processes, including the extraction methods used in the study. The use of water in various forms (e.g., as a solvent or in sample preparation) underscores its significance in laboratory protocols and plant extraction techniques.

12) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, known as sweet flag, is a medicinal plant studied for its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The assessment of its properties demonstrates the focus on natural herbal remedies and their potential therapeutic applications in combating diseases.

13) Rampur (Rāmpur):
Rampur is a geographic location in India, associated with one of the collaborating institutions or researchers in the study. Its mention emphasizes the collaboration and shared knowledge in the field of phytochemistry and medicinal research across various regions.

14) Jauhar:
This term likely refers to Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, which collaborates in the study. Such institutions are integral to research as they provide infrastructure and context for scientific inquiry into traditional medicinal practices and natural product analysis.

15) Family:
Family in botanical terms classifies groups of related plants. In this document, it denotes the families to which the studied medicinal plants belong, aiding in understanding potential similarities in their phytochemical properties and therapeutic applications.

16) India:
India is the geographic context for this research. The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices, providing a significant base for exploring the therapeutic potentials of indigenous plants in modern medicine.

17) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain is a physical sensation or symptom addressed through medicinal compounds. The study explores various plant extracts that could offer relief from pain, emphasizing the relevance of natural alternatives in treating common ailments within traditional medicine systems.

18) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the branch of medicine that focuses on drugs and their effects on the body. The research aims to identify pharmacological properties of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, potentially leading to new therapeutic agents.

19) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds derived from plants. This study investigates various phytochemicals in the selected medicinal plants, suggesting their biological importance and potential applications in health and disease management.

20) Observation:
Observation is a critical component of scientific methodology, encompassing the recording and analysis of data obtained during experiments. The study utilizes observations to draw conclusions about the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of plant extracts.

21) Surrounding:
Surrounding context refers to the environment or conditions in which the study is conducted. Understanding the surrounding factors (e.g., ecological conditions) is pivotal when evaluating the medicinal plants' efficacy and their adaptations to local climates.

22) Discussion:
Discussion in research refers to the section where results are interpreted, compared with previous studies, and implications are considered. It provides insights into the significance of findings, fostering further investigation into the therapeutic potentials of the studied plants.

23) Developing:
Developing signifies the process of creating or formulating new products. In the context of this study, it emphasizes the aim to develop new antimicrobial and antioxidant agents from plant extracts, highlighting the need for innovation in healthcare solutions.

24) Lucknow:
Lucknow is a city in India associated with the collection of the studied medicinal plants. Its mention underlines the role of specific geographical regions in the context of biodiversity and resource availability for medicinal research.

25) Village:
Village refers to rural settlements where traditional systems of medicine are utilized, indicating the widespread reliance on herbal remedies among populations. It contextualizes the importance of conserving medicinal plants for health solutions in rural communities.

26) Disease:
Disease refers to pathological conditions requiring medical treatment. The study seeks to address diseases through natural remedies by assessing the effectiveness of medicinal plants against various bacterial infections, contributing to the holistic understanding of traditional medicine.

27) Species:
Species refers to specific organisms. The study mentions various plant species, highlighting the diversity of medicinal plants available for research and their potential contributions to health and healing through discovered bioactive compounds.

28) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha refers to one of the ancient systems of medicine originating from South India, emphasizing the importance of traditional healing practices. The study's exploration of medicinal plants ties into the broader context of traditional herbal remedies advocated in Siddha medicine.

29) Nature:
Nature encompasses the inherent qualities and ecosystems from which medicinal plants are sourced. This term underscores the significance of biodiversity and the conservation of natural resources in sustaining traditional medicine practices and pharmaceutical research.

30) Medium:
Medium refers to the substances or environments used for various processes, such as the preparation of extracts in this study. Understanding the appropriate medium is crucial for effective extraction and analysis of plant bioactive compounds.

31) Insect:
Insect refers to organisms that may be affected by the compounds derived from plants. The reference to insect repellents emphasizes the potential of certain medicinal plants to provide natural alternatives for pest control, illustrating their multifunctional benefits.

32) Powder:
Powder refers to the form of the plant material used in the study for extraction. The processing of medicinal plants into powder enhances the extraction of bioactive compounds and is vital for evaluating their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

33) Cotton:
Cotton here refers to the material used for filtering extracts during the preparation process. Its mention highlights practical aspects of laboratory protocols necessary for isolating desired compounds from plant materials during research.

34) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom indicating illness. In traditional medicine, specific plants known to address fever are explored for their efficacy in alleviating symptoms. This study connects the medicinal properties of plants to common health issues.

35) House:
House may refer to the laboratory or institutional setting where the research is conducted. Establishing a dedicated house for scientific inquiry is essential, as it provides the necessary tools and environment for conducting rigorous research.

36) Viru (Vīṟu):
Veeru likely refers to one of the authors involved in the study. Attribution acknowledges the collaborative effort in completing the research, emphasizing the contributions of various experts from different institutions in furthering the knowledge of medicinal properties.

37) Wool:
Wool in this context may refer to the cotton wool used for filtering extracts. The choice of materials during the extraction process is important for ensuring cleanliness and accuracy in the evaluation of plant bioactive compounds.

38) Food:
Food signifies the nourishment that can also be explored for medicinal properties. The study connects medicinal plants to food sources, emphasizing the importance of natural products in enhancing health and wellness beyond therapeutic uses.

39) Tree:
Tree may refer to the larger plant forms that often contain potent medicinal properties. The diversity of trees contributes significantly to the global pool of medicinal resources, making them vital resources in both traditional and modern medicine.

40) Crop:
Crop refers to cultivated plants, potentially integrating medicinal species into agricultural systems. The study underscores the necessity of exploring crops for their health benefits, promoting sustainable agriculture that emphasizes the value of biodiversity.

41) Rich (Ṛch):
Rich in this context refers to the diversity and abundance of bioactive compounds within the studied plant species. The richness of such compounds supports the investigation into their therapeutic potentials, showcasing nature’s bounty for health applications.

42) Wall:
Wall implies the physical barriers used during the laboratory's empirical processes. In the agar well diffusion method described in the study, walls created in agar plates allow researchers to measure the impact of plant extracts on microbial inhibition effectively.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of selected medicinal plants’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Acorus calamus, Medicinal plant, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Research article, Antimicrobial activity, Pharmaceutical industries, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Traditional systems of medicine, Free radical scavenging activity, Radical Scavenging Activity, Ethanolic extract, Total phenolic content, Escherichia coli, DPPH scavenging activity, Pharmacological studies, Phytochemical studies, Inhibition zone, Agar well diffusion method, Multidrug resistant bacteria, DPPH free radical, Total phenol content, Ethanol extract, E. coli, Bacterial strain, Plant Extract, Natural source, Disease-causing agents, S. aureus, Pharmacological effect, Cymbopogon citratus, Antimicrobial compound, Phenol compounds, Commercial formulation, Synthetic drug, Phenolic compound, B. subtilis, Agar plate, Scavenging activities, Scavenging effect, Bioactive Molecule, Ethno-medicinal plant, V. cholerae, DPPH free radical activity.

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