Antibacterial and phytochemical study of acanthus ilicifolius l. stem extracts
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antibacterial and phytochemical study of acanthus ilicifolius l. stem extracts
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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N. Sharief Mohammad, Mathewos Geneto, Dejene Deresh Abateneh, Mohammad Salahuddin, Mohammad Dilshad Manzar and Uma Maheswara Rao V.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antibacterial and phytochemical study of acanthus ilicifolius l. stem extracts
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20173-8071
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by N. Sharief Mohammad et al. explored the phytochemical and antibacterial properties of stem extracts from Acanthus ilicifolius L., a mangrove plant found in coastal regions. This research is particularly significant given the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, highlighting the need for alternatives derived from plants. The authors aimed to analyze the presence of bioactive compounds in the plant and evaluate their efficiency against various bacterial strains. The investigation primarily focused on the qualitative determination of several phytochemicals and their antibacterial activity using standard methods.
Phytochemical Screening
The research revealed significant findings regarding the presence of secondary metabolites in the stem extracts of Acanthus ilicifolius. The study demonstrated that extracts prepared with different solvents (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate) yielded varying results in terms of phytochemicals. Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and total phenols were identified, with the alcoholic solvents showing a higher presence of these compounds. Methanol extracts, in particular, exhibited the broadest range of antibacterial effects, suggesting a correlation between the variety of secondary metabolites and the extract's antibacterial efficacy.
Antibacterial Activity and Effectiveness
The antibacterial activity of the different extracts was evaluated against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Methanol extracts exhibited the highest potential for antibacterial activity, while ethyl acetate extracts showed selective effectiveness against specific Gram-negative strains, such as Enterobacter aerogenes. The study highlighted that the Gram-positive bacteria generally displayed greater sensitivity to the tested extracts than their Gram-negative counterparts. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) varied across the extracts, indicating that the solvents used significantly influenced the antibacterial properties of the plant material.
Bactericidal vs. Bacteriostatic Properties
The study further distinguished between the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of the different extracts. Methanol extracts were found to be bactericidal, effectively killing bacteria, while ethyl acetate extracts displayed bacteriostatic properties, inhibiting bacterial growth without killing the bacteria outright. Ethanol extracts showed mixed results, being bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria but bacteriostatic against Gram-negative strains. The study underscored the importance of comprehending these characteristics to evaluate the potential of plant extracts as therapeutic agents effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research on Acanthus ilicifolius demonstrated its potential as a valuable source of antibacterial compounds. The presence of various phytochemicals, especially in methanol extracts, correlates with their antibacterial efficacy, suggesting that this plant could be a promising candidate for developing alternative treatments to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The study recommends further exploration of different plant parts and extraction methods to uncover additional bioactive principles that may contribute to antimicrobial properties. The findings emphasize the importance of plants in traditional medicine and their potential role in contemporary therapeutic applications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the objective of the study on Acanthus ilicifolius?
The study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of stem extracts of Acanthus ilicifolius, focusing on natural compounds that may have therapeutic potential against bacterial infections.
Which compounds were tested for in the plant extracts?
The study tested for secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and total phenols in the extracts from Acanthus ilicifolius using standard qualitative protocols.
What method was used to determine antibacterial activity?
Antibacterial activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method against various bacterial strains and compared with standard antibiotics like gentamicin and tetracycline.
Which solvent extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity?
Methanol and ethanol extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, indicating their effectiveness in combatting bacterial growth.
What were the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results?
The MIC values ranged from 2 to 7 mg/100 µl, with variations observed between the different solvents and bacterial strains tested, indicating varying levels of antibacterial potency.
What are the implications of this research for pharmaceuticals?
The findings suggest that Acanthus ilicifolius could be a valuable source for isolating and characterizing new bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial properties, which could be used in medicinal applications.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antibacterial and phytochemical study of acanthus ilicifolius l. stem extracts”. 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):
Antibiotics are chemical substances used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting their growth or killing bacteria. The paper compares the efficacy of Acanthus ilicifolius extracts with standard antibiotics like gentamicin and tetracycline, emphasizing the importance of exploration of plant-derived antibiotics amid rising antibiotic resistance.
2) Activity:
In this context, activity relates to the effectiveness or potency of the Acanthus ilicifolius extracts against bacterial strains. The assessment of this activity is pivotal in determining the extracts' practical applications in alternative medicine and the potential development of new antimicrobial therapies derived from natural sources.
3) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacteria known for causing various infections in humans. The study shows that Acanthus ilicifolius extracts exhibit antibacterial activity against this species, establishing the plant's potential as a source for natural antibacterial agents capable of combating antibiotic-resistant strains.
4) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites with various biological activities, including antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The study identifies flavonoids in the extracts of Acanthus ilicifolius, which may contribute to the observed antibacterial properties, underlining the significance of phytochemicals in traditional medicinal practices.
5) Table:
Tables in scientific literature are used to present data concisely and clearly. The study includes tables summarizing phytochemical analyses and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to provide readers with a quick reference to the results, allowing for easier comparison of the antibacterial activities of different extracts.
6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that exert various pharmaceutical and health benefits. This study characterizes several phytochemicals in Acanthus ilicifolius extracts, linking them to its antibacterial effects and demonstrating the therapeutic potential of plant-derived substances in modern medicine.
7) Water:
Water is a solvent commonly used in extraction processes in phytochemical studies. In this research, water acts as a medium for dissolving plant extracts, allowing the identification of secondary metabolites. Its mention emphasizes the traditional use of aqueous solutions in herbal medicine formulations.
8) Study (Studying):
The study refers to the systematic investigation conducted to explore the phytochemical and antibacterial properties of Acanthus ilicifolius. Its relevance lies in contributing to the scientific understanding of natural remedies and the potential of using plant extracts as alternatives to synthetic antibiotics in healthcare.
9) Drug:
Drugs are chemical substances used to diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases. This research indicates the potential of Acanthus ilicifolius extracts as natural drugs through their demonstrated antibacterial activities, reinforcing the significance of investigating traditional medicines for novel drug discovery in the pharmaceutical field.
10) India:
India, where the Acanthus ilicifolius specimens were collected, is renowned for its biodiversity and rich traditional medicine practices. The geographical and cultural context enhances the study's importance, as it underscores the potential for discovering effective natural alternatives to modern antibiotics within indigenous flora.
11) Species:
Species refers to various types of organisms, in this context, denoting the specific bacteria tested against Acanthus ilicifolius extracts. Understanding the susceptibility of different species to these extracts is essential for evaluating the plant's antibacterial properties and developing broad-spectrum natural treatments.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research contributes to the field of pharmacognosy and medicinal botany by investigating the scientific basis behind the antibacterial effects of plant extracts, promoting evidence-based approaches in herbal medicine.
13) Medium:
Medium in scientific research often refers to the environment in which cells or microorganisms are grown. In this study, it may also refer to the solvent used to extract compounds from Acanthus ilicifolius, playing a crucial role in determining the efficacy and concentration of bioactive compounds.
14) Discussion:
The discussion section interprets the results of the study, placing them in context with existing literature. It addresses the implications of findings related to Acanthus ilicifolius's antibacterial properties and the significance of secondary metabolites, guiding future research directions and applications.
15) Nagarjuna:
Nagarjuna is a city in India where one of the collaborating research departments is located. The regional association highlights the shared academic and cultural interests in studying biodiversity and traditional medicine, linking local practices with scientific inquiry into the health benefits of native plants.
16) Godavari (Go-davari):
Godavari refers to the river in Andhra Pradesh, India, from where plant specimens were collected. This geographical reference emphasizes the ecological diversity of the region and the importance of local flora in ethnobotanical studies, serving as sources for potential medicinal compounds.
17) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The study emphasizes the potential role of Acanthus ilicifolius extracts in medicine, particularly in combating bacterial infections, showcasing the need for integrating traditional knowledge with modern medical practices.
18) Disease:
Disease refers to an abnormal condition that negatively affects an organism's function. The research explores the antibacterial properties of Acanthus ilicifolius extracts against pathogens responsible for various diseases, presenting a case for utilizing plants in the prevention and treatment of infectious conditions.
19) Corangi:
Corangi refers to the location within Andhra Pradesh, India, where the study's plant specimens were collected. The ecological setting underscores the use of local resources in traditional medicine, contributing to the understanding of geographic variations in phytochemical profiles and their biological activities.
20) Surface:
Surface often pertains to the surface sterilization process used on plant materials to eliminate contaminants before extraction. Its importance in the study ensures the integrity of collected specimens, allowing for accurate assessments of their phytochemical and antibacterial properties in subsequent analyses.
21) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra refers to Andhra Pradesh, a state in India known for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. The geographical context enhances the study's significance by connecting local knowledge, plant resources, and scientific research aimed at exploring the antibacterial potential of indigenous flora.
22) Forest:
Forest refers to the natural habitat where Acanthus ilicifolius was collected, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. It reflects the ecological significance of preserving such habitats for the sustainable use of plant species in pharmaceuticals and alternative medicine.
23) Family:
Family in botanical taxonomy denotes a group of related plants. Acanthus ilicifolius belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which contains species known for diverse biological activities. Understanding family relationships aids in comprehending the potential phytochemical profiles and medicinal uses of closely related plants.
24) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The study indicates potential avenues for future research on Acanthus ilicifolius extracts as a source of bioactive compounds that may aid in cancer management or prevention, thus contributing to the broader field of oncology.
25) Nature:
Nature represents the inherent qualities of biochemical compounds present in plants. The study highlights the natural antibacterial properties of Acanthus ilicifolius, promoting a deeper appreciation for nature's offerings in drug discovery and the importance of preserving biodiversity for future pharmaceutical developments.
26) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, classification, and potential uses. This research contributes to the field of botany by exploring the phytochemical constituents of Acanthus ilicifolius, indicating the importance of plant research in understanding their ecological and medicinal roles.
27) Asha (Asa):
Asha refers to a researcher mentioned in the study, indicating collaborative work in the field of plant study. Their contributions may further validate the phytochemical exploration of Acanthus ilicifolius, reflecting the collective effort in advancing scientific knowledge regarding medicinal plants and their applications.
28) Rich (Rch):
Rich in this context refers to the abundant presence of bioactive compounds within Acanthus ilicifolius. The study emphasizes the wealth of secondary metabolites identified in the plant extracts, reinforcing the value of such natural resources for developing effective antibacterial agents in modern medicine.
29) Wall:
Wall typically refers to the cell wall of bacteria, which plays a crucial role in their structural integrity and response to antimicrobial agents. The study's findings on the differential susceptibility of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria highlight the significance of cell wall composition in antibacterial activity.