Study of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of various medicinal plants

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of various 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:

K. Shalini, R. Abhinaya, Karthika Devi and T. Subha Ashley


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Study of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of various medicinal plants

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

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20186-11409

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

1. Introduction

Diabetes Mellitus has become a significant health concern, particularly affecting individuals over the age of 35. This condition is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. In contrast, medicinal plants have gained popularity as natural remedies due to their minimal side effects and potential therapeutic benefits. The study conducted by K. Shalini et al. aimed to explore the antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties of several commonly available medicinal plants, including Acalypha indica, Citrus limon, Myristica fragrans, Manilkara zapota, Ziziphus jujube, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Ixora coccinea. The research focused on evaluating these plants' effectiveness in treating diabetes and tackling microbial infections.

2. Antidiabetic Activity of Medicinal Plants

The study highlighted the antidiabetic properties of various plant extracts, demonstrating their potential in inhibiting the α-amylase enzyme, which is crucial in carbohydrate digestion. Results indicated that higher concentrations of plant extracts (1 mg/ml) yielded better inhibitory effects. Notably, Acalypha indica exhibited the highest level of inhibition at 88%, followed closely by Snake gourd and Jujube. These findings suggest that extracts from these plants can significantly reduce blood sugar levels and could provide a natural approach to managing diabetes.

3. Antimicrobial Effects of Extracts

Another critical area of focus in the study was the antimicrobial activity of the selected plant extracts. Utilizing the disc diffusion method, the researchers were able to assess the effectiveness of the extracts against various microorganisms. Acalypha indica, Nutmeg, Jungle geranium, and Lemon peel showed significant zones of inhibition, indicating potent antimicrobial properties. However, extracts from Snake gourd and Sapota leaves did not demonstrate any antimicrobial activity. This aspect of the study underscored the potential of certain medicinal plants in combating infections and supporting overall health.

4. Phytochemical Analysis and Properties

The study also included an analysis of phytochemical constituents present in the plant extracts. Medicinal plants are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, which contribute to their therapeutic effects. The presence of these phytochemicals is believed to play a vital role in both the antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties observed in the study. The authors suggested that further examination of these compounds could reveal more about the plants’ mechanistic pathways and enhance their application in herbal medicine.

5. Conclusion

The research by K. Shalini et al. emphasized the promising antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities of Acalypha indica, Citrus limon, Myristica fragrans, and others. The results underscore the importance of medicinal plants as viable alternatives for managing diabetes and treating infections. Given their widespread availability and affordability, these plants could provide accessible treatment options for a broad range of populations. The study advocates for increased exploration of these natural resources for potential incorporation into healthcare practices and the development of novel therapeutics.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the study conducted by Shalini et al.?

The study focuses on the antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of various medicinal plants, including Acalypha indica, Citrus limon, and others commonly found in the region.

Which medicinal plants were tested for antidiabetic properties?

The plants tested include Acalypha indica, Citrus limon, Myristica fragrans, Ziziphus jujube, Snake gourd, and others, which were evaluated for their effectiveness in inhibiting α-amylase activity.

What method was used to evaluate antimicrobial activity in the study?

The study utilized the disc diffusion method on nutrient agar plates to measure the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against various microbes.

Which plant extract demonstrated the highest antidiabetic activity?

Acalypha indica and Snake gourd showed impressive results, with Acalypha indica achieving an 88% inhibition in α-amylase activity at the highest concentration tested.

Were all plant extracts effective against all tested microorganisms?

No, while Acalypha indica, Nutmeg, and others showed significant antimicrobial effects, Snake gourd and Sapota leaves did not exhibit any zones of inhibition.

What are the potential benefits of using medicinal plants in treatments?

Medicinal plants like those studied are often considered safer with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs and can be used in managing conditions like diabetes and microbial infections.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity of various 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 refers to the physiological or biochemical actions that substances or organisms exhibit. In the context of the study, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity helps evaluate the effectiveness of various medicinal plants in controlling diabetes and fighting against microbial infections, thus highlighting their potential therapeutic benefits.

2) Study (Studying):
Study signifies the systematic investigation aimed at acquiring knowledge. In this case, the study explores the antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties of selected medicinal plants, assessing their effectiveness and underlying mechanisms, contributing to the understanding of natural remedies for prevalent health issues.

3) Snake gourd:
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) is a plant investigated for its medicinal properties, particularly in controlling diabetes and addressing digestive issues. Known for its health benefits, the study evaluates its efficacy in combating high blood sugar levels and infections, showcasing traditional herbal medicine's relevance.

4) Water:
Water is a fundamental solvent involved in numerous biological processes. In the study, it is essential for extraction methods and substrate preparation, particularly during the extraction of plant compounds for testing antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities, maintaining the integrity of biochemical reactions.

5) Lemon:
Lemon, a popular citrus fruit, possesses significant health benefits due to its high vitamin C and polyphenol content. The study examines the antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties of lemon, emphasizing its role in natural medicine as a preventative and therapeutic food source.

6) Citrus limon:
Citrus limon is the scientific name for lemon, known for its potent phytochemicals and antioxidants. In this research, its extracts are assessed for antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties, underscoring its multifunctional role in enhancing health and treating various ailments.

7) Disease:
Disease, in this context, particularly refers to conditions like diabetes and infections that pose significant health challenges. Understanding the diseases allows for the evaluation of plants' therapeutic properties, providing insights into developing efficient and safer treatment modalities using herbal medicine.

8) Medicine:
Medicines are substances used for treating illnesses and conditions. This research emphasizes the role of natural medicines derived from plants, exploring their health benefits and advocating for integrating traditional remedies with modern medical practices for comprehensive health care.

9) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drug actions in the body. This research appraises the pharmacological properties of the selected plants, assessing their therapeutic potential and safety profiles for use in managing diabetes and microbial infections, contributing to drug development.

10) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. The study explores the phytochemical constituents of various plants, evaluating their role in antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities, thus highlighting the significance of plant-derived substances in health care.

11) Relative:
Relative indicates a comparison between different samples or measurements. This study includes relative evaluation of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities among various plant extracts, helping to identify which plants offer the most significant health benefits in relation to others.

12) Table:
Table is a structured way to present data for easy comprehension. In this study, tables summarize the results of the antidiabetic activity tests for various plant extracts, aiding in visualizing and comparing the effectiveness of each extract systematically.

13) Crop:
Crop, similar to crops, signifies a cultivated plant. In this context, the research emphasizes the relevance of specific crops with medicinal properties in treating diseases like diabetes, proving their potential as viable alternatives to pharmaceuticals, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

14) Food:
Food refers to any substance consumed to provide nutritional support. The study highlights food-related plants, such as lemon and nutmeg, analyzing their health benefits and role in treating diabetes and infections, reinforcing the connection between diet and health.

15) Oil:
Oils, derived from various plants, play an essential role in practices like aromatherapy and traditional medicine. The study explores the use of essential oils from the selected plants, assessing their therapeutic functions, particularly in antimicrobial activities, thus promoting holistic health solutions.

16) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to injury or infection. The study references plants with potential anti-inflammatory properties, considering their benefits in managing inflammatory-related conditions, thus expanding the understanding of herbal remedies for holistic healing.

17) Vishnupriya (Visnupriya, Vishnu-priya):
Vishnupriya could refer to a researcher or author associated with the studies mentioned in the references. Highlighting authors helps credit contributions to scientific knowledge and lending authority to the study's findings and methodology.

18) Calculation:
Calculation refers to the quantitative assessment of data. In this context, calculations involved determining the percent inhibition of diastatic activity by the plant extracts, essential for concluding their efficacy in managing diabetes qualitatively based on extraction results.

19) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-biotic pertains to substances that inhibit or kill bacteria. The study discusses the antimicrobial activities of various plant extracts, underscoring their potential as natural antibiotics, serving as alternatives to conventional antibiotics in treating infections.

20) Discussion:
Discussion signifies the analytical evaluation of findings and implications. In this study, the discussion interprets the results of antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity tests, connecting findings to existing knowledge and pointing toward future research directions in plant-based therapeutics.

21) Fragrance:
Fragrance relates to pleasant smells often derived from essential oils present in plants. The study mentions the aromatic properties of extracts like nutmeg, illustrating their aesthetic value alongside therapeutic benefits, thus showcasing the multi-faceted nature of botanical substances.

22) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can be harmful. The study may explore the safety profiles of the selected plant extracts, assessing their toxicity levels to ensure they can be utilized effectively and safely as medicinal remedies.

23) Mineral:
Mineral, similar to minerals, highlights the importance of inorganic nutrients. Examining the mineral content in the plants provides insight into their potential health benefits, enhancing the holistic understanding of how diet impacts health outcomes.

24) Species:
Species refers to a group of organisms with common characteristics. In the study, various plant species are examined for their medicinal properties, showcasing biodiversity's role in drug discovery and emphasizing the need for conserving these essential natural resources.

25) Tulasi:
Tulasi, or holy basil, is a revered plant in traditional medicine. The study compares its antidiabetic properties with other plants, emphasizing its historical significance in promoting health and its widespread use in herbal treatments for diabetes management.

26) Chinna:
Chinna could represent a contributor or co-author involved in related research. Citing contributors underlines the collaborative nature of scientific studies, attributing specific findings and methodologies to individuals who advance knowledge within the field.

27) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The mention of anticancer activities highlights the potential of the studied plants in not only treating diabetes and infections but also addressing one of the most prominent health issues globally.

28) Nausea:
Nausea is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach. This study references the traditional use of plants like nutmeg for alleviating nausea, showcasing the diverse therapeutic applications of medicinal plants in treating gastro-intestinal issues.

29) Timber:
Timber refers to wood prepared for use in construction or manufacturing. While not directly related to the study, its mention may suggest the broader context of plant utilization and the importance of sustainable practices in harvesting plant resources for medicine and materials.

30) Medium:
Medium refers to the substance in which microbes grow or are cultured. In this study, nutrient agar serves as the medium for testing antimicrobial activity, essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the plant extracts against specific pathogens.

31) Ulcer:
An ulcer serves as a critical health issue characterized by a break in epithelial tissue. The study references the use of certain medicinal plants to manage ulcers, affirming the relevance of traditional herbal remedies in addressing this common medical concern.

32) Shubha (Subha):
Subha could signify a co-author of the study, contributing to the research and findings. Acknowledging contributors fosters collaboration and promotes various perspectives and expertise in conducting scientific studies.

33) Campu:
Campu likely references a specific research site, such as 'P.S.R. Engineering College' mentioned in the study. This denotes the institutional context of the research, indicating where the study was conducted and supporting the credibility of the findings.

34) Shiva (Siva):
Shiva could represent a contributing author or individual involved in the research. Including names in the study underscores the collaborative efforts that characterize scientific research, highlighting multiple perspectives that enrich the study's outcomes.

35) Kumar:
Kumar may refer to another researcher or author associated with the study. Recognizing contributors is crucial in scientific literature to credit individuals for their work and maintain the integrity of research and scholarly communication.

36) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom indicating infection or inflammation. This study may explore the role of certain plants in managing fever as part of their therapeutic profile, showcasing their multifaceted use in traditional medicine.

37) Blood:
Blood is crucial in sustaining life and maintaining physiological functions. The mention of blood is significant as it relates to various disorders, such as diabetes, connecting the study's findings with health conditions linked to blood glucose levels.

38) Latta:
Latha could indicate a researcher or author involved in the study, contributing to its overall results and interpretations. Acknowledging their role adds depth to the academic collaboration that underpins scientific inquiry.

39) Devi:
Devi likely refers to a co-author in the research study, highlighting their participation. Mentioning all authors contributes to creating a comprehensive academic record and recognizing the diversity of expertise involved in the research.

40) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to the abundance of essential nutrients or properties within a context. In this study, it might describe the medicinal plants as 'rich' in phytochemicals or health benefits, reinforcing their potential as viable medicinal alternatives due to their therapeutic richness.

41) Drug:
Drug refers to a chemical substance used for medical treatment. The study implicitly compares natural plant extracts with synthetic drugs, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of herbal remedies and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary medical practices.

42) Soil:
Soil refers to the top layer of the earth's crust where plants grow. The study emphasizes the ecological aspects of herbal medicine, in which the source of the medicinal plants is essential, highlighting their natural habitat as a determinant of their medical efficacy and sustainability of plant resources.

43) Life:
Life denotes the condition of living organisms and their interactions with environments. The study connects the relevance of medicinal plants to enhancing life quality by providing alternative therapies, showcasing the interdependence between nature and health in sustaining well-being.

Other Science Concepts:

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

Acalypha indica, Citrus limon, Trichosanthes cucumerina, Medicinal plant, Diabetes mellitus, Antimicrobial activity, Zone of inhibition, Antidiabetic activity, Ethanolic extract, Myristica fragrans, Plant Extract, Phytochemical activity, Nutrient agar plate, Manilkara zapota.

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