Evaluation of antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of polyherbal gel
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of polyherbal gel
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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Swetha Rani Boddupally, Vinitha Edula and Malothu Nagulu
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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of polyherbal gel
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20185-11333
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research published a study investigating the antibacterial and antihelminthic activities of a polyherbal gel formulated from the extracts of three plants: Azadirachta indica (Neem), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), and Mentha longifolia (Mint). Given the growing issue of multi-drug resistance and the lack of new antibiotics, especially affecting immunocompromised patients, the researchers aimed to develop an effective and affordable herbal remedy. The study evaluated the efficacy of the gel against various bacterial strains and its potential as an antihelminthic agent using in vitro methods.
Antibacterial Activity of Polyherbal Gel
The antibacterial efficacy of the polyherbal gel formulations was assessed using the disc diffusion method against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The results indicated that the zone of inhibition varied, with the commercial antibiotic azithromycin showing a more significant effect (19 to 25 mm) compared to the herbal formulations, PF1 (8 to 18 mm) and PF2 (14 to 29 mm). The findings demonstrated that the formulated gels had a more substantial effect on gram-negative bacteria than gram-positive ones. This suggests that the bioactive compounds present in the herbal extracts might have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect, supporting the use of phytomedicine as a viable alternative in treating bacterial infections.
Antihelminthic Activity of Polyherbal Gel
The antihelminthic potential of the prepared gels was tested using earthworms, with specific attention given to the time of paralysis and death induced by the treatments. Polyherbal formulation PF2 exhibited a notably shorter time for paralysis (6.16 ± 1.94 min) and death (37 ± 3.68 min) compared to the standard drug albendazole, which took longer (11.5 ± 1.64 min and 44 ± 3.52 min, respectively). These results underscore the gel's effectiveness, particularly in the higher concentrations of plant extracts used. The study indicates that the compounds in the herbal formulation could target helminthes effectively, suggesting a potential method for combating parasitic infections.
Methodology Insights
The research involved a systematic methodology for preparing herbal extracts through maceration, assessing the physical properties of the gel, and employing thorough evaluation techniques, including the pH measurement, viscosity testing, and spreadability assessments. The results indicated that the gel maintained a neutral pH, crucial for minimizing skin irritancy, and demonstrated favorable spreading and washing properties. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antihelminthic assays were conducted using well-established protocols, solidifying the reliability of the findings and supporting the potential therapeutic applications of the formulated gels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study effectively demonstrates that the polyherbal gel PF2 possesses significant antibacterial and antihelminthic activities. The encouraging results and the gel's favorable physical properties suggest that it may serve as a viable alternative in treating infections caused by resistant bacterial strains and helminthic diseases. Future research should focus on the phytochemical profiling of the gel to identify the specific active compounds responsible for its biological activities and explore the underlying mechanisms further. This could lead to the development of more effective herbal medications that can contribute significantly to public health, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main purpose of the study conducted?
The study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of a polyherbal topical gel containing extracts from Azadirachta indica, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Mentha longifolia.
What methodology was used to assess antibacterial activity?
The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, with measurements of the zones of inhibition.
What were the key findings regarding antibacterial effectiveness?
The polyherbal gel formulations showed good antibacterial effects, particularly against gram-negative bacteria, though less effective than the standard antibiotic azithromycin.
How was antihelminthic activity evaluated in the study?
Antihelminthic activity was assessed using earthworms, measuring the time taken for paralysis and death after applying the polyherbal gel compared to the standard drug albendazole.
What were the notable results for the gel formulations?
The formulation PF2 exhibited significant antihelminthic effects, with shorter paralysis and death times compared to both PF1 and albendazole, indicating its potential efficacy.
What conclusions were drawn from the research findings?
The study concluded that polyherbal gel PF2 has promising antibacterial and antihelminthic effects, warranting further research to identify active constituents and explore underlying mechanisms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluation of antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of polyherbal gel”. 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 effectiveness of a substance, in this case, the polyherbal gel formulations in exhibiting antibacterial and antihelminthic effects. Assessing the activity is crucial in determining how well these herbal gels combat infections and parasitic infections, enhancing their potential as alternative therapeutic agents for resistant strains.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a substance that inhibits bacterial growth. This study emphasizes the relevance of antibiotics, particularly in the context of increasing multi-drug resistance, and explores herbal alternatives that may supplement or replace traditional antibiotic therapies in treating bacterial infections.
3) Death:
Death in the context of the study refers to the outcome of the antihelmintic activity against earthworms when exposed to polyherbal gels. Measurement of the time taken for paralysis and death of the worms serves as an indicator of the efficacy of the polyherbal formulations in treating helminthiasis.
4) Rani:
Rani refers to the lead author, Swetha Rani Boddupally, who is presented prominently in the research article. Her contributions are significant in the formulation and evaluation of the polyherbal gel, showcasing her role in advancing research at the Swami Ramananda Tirtha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
5) Worm:
Similar to 'worms,' 'worm' signifies the individual parasitic organisms used in the antihelmintic activity assessment. Understanding the effects of the polyherbal formulations on worms provides insights into potential therapeutic benefits against parasitic infections in humans and animals.
6) Drug:
Drugs are substances that exert biological effects on living organisms. In the context of the study, it examines the therapeutic values and effectiveness of herbal formulations compared to conventional drugs, particularly regarding their roles in treating infections.
7) Water:
Water serves as a solvent in the preparation of both the polyherbal gels and during the evaluations conducted in the study. Its role is significant as a medium for dissolving the gel components and for consistency and pH measurements, critical for formulation stability.
8) Ramananda (Rama-ananda):
Ramananda is part of the institution's name, Swami Ramananda Tirtha Institute, indicating the location and research context of the study. The institute plays a pivotal role in facilitating research in pharmaceutical sciences, exemplifying its contributions to healthcare advancements in India.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The study contributes to the scientific field by exploring the medicinal properties of herbal extracts via empirical research methodologies.
10) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the rigorous examination and formulation of the polyherbal gel's antibacterial and antihelminthic activities. It entails systematic investigation methodologies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of herbal formulations in addressing infectious diseases and enhancing therapeutic strategies.
11) Svamin (Swami, Svami, Swamin):
Swami signifies a title often used for respected individuals in Hinduism. In this context, it relates to the name of the institution, representing its philosophical and cultural heritage, along with its educational mandate within the landscape of pharmaceutical sciences.
12) Tirtha:
Tirtha means a pilgrimage or sacred place. In this context, it forms part of the institution's name, reflecting a cultural and spiritual foundation upon which the academic and research frameworks are built, emphasizing a holistic approach in pharmaceutical education.
13) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data within the study, summarizing the findings of antibacterial and antihelmintic activities. It facilitates clarity and comprehension of the results, making it easier to compare different formulations and their respective impacts.
14) Disease:
Diseases refer to health conditions resulting from infections or pathological processes. In this research, the focus on infectious diseases highlights the importance of developing effective treatments and understanding the mechanisms of action of herbal formulations against such conditions.
15) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is one of the key herbal extracts explored in the study. Its traditional medicinal properties are investigated for their potential antibacterial and antihelminthic effects, contributing to the formulation of alternative therapeutic agents.
16) Measurement:
Measurements refer to the process of quantifying attributes such as pH and viscosity in the study. Careful measurements are essential for ensuring quality and stability in the formulation of the polyherbal gels, influencing their therapeutic effectiveness.
17) Animal:
Animals refer to living organisms used in research. In this context, they include earthworms and represent broader ethical considerations in studies involving live subjects, particularly in evaluating the safety and efficacy of herbal formulations in treating infections.
18) India:
India is the geographical context of the study, home to a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. The country offers vast opportunities for research in traditional medicine, emphasizing the significance of herbal formulations in addressing local health challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
19) Cinnamomum zeylanicum:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as Cinnamon, is a significant extract investigated in the study. Known for its medicinal properties, the extract's role contributes to the formulation's overall effectiveness in addressing bacterial and parasitic infections.
20) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to bioactive compounds derived from plants. The study underscores the importance of phytochemicals in contributing to the medicinal properties of the herbal extracts, emphasizing their potential as sources of new therapeutic agents against infections.
21) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid refers to a class of phytochemicals with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of flavonoids in the herbal extracts may play a significant role in their observed antibacterial and antihelmintic activities, highlighting the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds.
22) Medicine:
Medicine denotes the science and practice of diagnosing and treating diseases. The research contributes to the field of medicine by exploring alternative therapeutic solutions and addressing contemporary issues related to drug resistance and the efficacy of treatments.
23) Species:
Species refers to groups of organisms classified based on shared characteristics. In this study, various bacterial and parasitic species are examined to assess the effectiveness of the polyherbal formulations, which may demonstrate broad-spectrum activity.
24) Aureus:
Aureus denotes 'Staphylococcus aureus,' a specific bacterial strain evaluated for its response to the polyherbal formulations. Understanding its susceptibility helps gauge the potential effectiveness of the herbal treatments against common pathogens responsible for various infections.
25) Earth:
Earth relates to the natural environment, indicating the context where organisms live. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding ecological relationships and the therapeutic potential of naturally derived substances from the environment in treating infections.
26) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. This field is central to the present research, exploring the mechanisms of action of herbal extracts and their efficacy against infectious diseases, providing valuable insights into future therapeutic possibilities.
27) Observation:
Observation denotes the act of noting data and reactions during the experiment. Detailed observations lead to valuable insights into the effectiveness of the herbal formulations and are critical for drawing conclusions related to their antibacterial and antihelminthic properties.
28) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the analysis and interpretation of results obtained from the study. This section reflects on the significance of findings, exploring their implications for future research and potential clinical applications within the framework of herbal medicine.
29) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of creating and refining the formulations. The study emphasizes the need for continual development of new therapeutic agents, particularly herbal formulations as alternatives to address the challenges posed by drug resistance.
30) Container:
Container indicates the vessel used to hold the polyherbal gel during preparation and experiments. Understanding how the choice of container affects the formulation process is vital for maintaining the integrity and quality of the herbal preparations.
31) Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a significant herbal extract in the study, known for its historical use in traditional medicine. Its incorporation into the polyherbal gel formulation promotes the investigation of its potential antibacterial and antihelminthic properties alongside other herbal components.
32) Karnati:
Karnati refers to a pharmacognosist who authenticated the plant materials used in the study. Proper identification and authentication of plant species are critical to ensure the reliability of the research findings and ascertain the therapeutic potential of the extracts utilized.
33) Heating:
Heating is a method used in the preparation of the nutrient agar medium within the study. The controlled application of heat is central to achieving the correct conditions for dissolving components and ensuring proper medium sterilization for subsequent microbial evaluation.
34) Medium:
Medium refers to the nutrient agar preparation used for growing bacterial cultures in the study. It is essential for providing an ideal environment for the microorganisms, allowing reliable assessments of the antibacterial activity of the polyherbal formulations.
35) Powder:
Powder indicates the state of the dried plant materials prior to extraction in the study. The grinding of plant materials into powder form maximizes surface area, facilitating the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds during the maceration process.
36) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the action of placing materials into containers, as seen in the preparation of the gels. Proper filling techniques ensure consistent formulation and accurate dosages, critical for the integrity and effectiveness of the resultant herbal preparations.
37) Botany:
Botany, the study of plants, informs the research regarding the identification and utilization of herbal extracts. The integration of botanical knowledge helps validate the potential therapeutic applications of the selected plants used in developing polyherbal formulations.
38) Kumar:
Kumar likely refers to a cited author in the study, linking previous research findings to the present exploration. Referencing established works helps position the current study within the broader scientific discourse surrounding herbal medicine and therapeutic applications.
39) Glass:
Glass pertains to the material used in the construction of laboratory apparatus, such as petri dishes and beakers. The clarity and inert nature of glass are crucial for conducting precise observations while ensuring that reactions within the gel formulation are not contaminated.
40) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burn, in this instance, refers to the injury caused by heat that can lead to skin damage and infection risks. The study underlines the importance of finding effective antibacterial treatments to address complications associated with burns and other skin conditions.
41) Neem:
Neem, derived from Azadirachta indica, is a prominent herbal extract analyzed in the study. Renowned for its medicinal properties, Neem's utilization signifies an emerging interest in exploring the therapeutic potentials of traditional herbal remedies, particularly in addressing infectious diseases.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Evaluation of antibacterial and antihelminthic activity of polyherbal gel’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Therapeutic efficacy, Antibacterial activity, Disc diffusion method, Zone of inhibition, Antimicrobial Resistance, Ethanolic extract, Standard drug, PH measurement, Phytomedicine, Herbal extract, Bacterial strain, Immune compromised, Spreadability, Carbopol 934, Gel formulation, Multi Drug Resistance, Antihelminthic activity.