Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of Waltheria indica roots.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of roots of waltheria indica
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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Dr. Rajaa H. Tabidi, Dr. Esam A. Babeker and 3Dr. Raga E. Osman
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of roots of waltheria indica
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20192-14146
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study assessed the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of Waltheria indica roots, a plant traditionally used in Sudanese medicine for various ailments. This research aimed to evaluate the plant's potential as a natural antimicrobial agent by determining its effectiveness against standard bacteria, assessing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and identifying the chemical components present in the extracts. Various extraction methods were employed to derive the active compounds from the roots, and the results were statistically analyzed to ensure valid conclusions.
Antibacterial Activity of Waltheria indica
The results indicated that Waltheria indica extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against several standard bacterial strains, including Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among the different extracts tested, the n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts showed high efficacy at concentrations of 100 mg/ml, highlighting that the Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive compared to Gram-negative strains. Specifically, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were found to be ≤ 3.125 mg/ml for n-butanol and ethyl acetate against B. subtilis, emphasizing the potential of these extracts as effective antibacterial agents.
Chemical Composition and Extract Preparation
The study identified several bioactive components within the extracts, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, and triterpenes. To prepare these extracts, the plant material was subjected to a series of solvent extractions involving 80% methanol, followed by fractionation using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. This process permitted the isolation of various fractions, which were then tested for their antibacterial properties, yielding valuable insight into the bioactive constituents responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity.
Cytotoxicity Assessment
Cytotoxicity tests conducted using the MTT assay revealed that all extracts from Waltheria indica demonstrated non-toxic effects on normal Vero cell lines, with LC50 values exceeding 100 μg/ml. This finding supports the traditional use of the plant in herbal medicine, as it suggests that the extracts are safe for therapeutic application and pose minimal risk to human health. The non-cytotoxic nature of the extracts, alongside their significant antibacterial activity, underscores their potential for development into safe herbal remedies.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that Waltheria indica possesses considerable antibacterial properties that may be comparable to conventional antibiotics. The presence of bioactive substances within the extracts supports their traditional usage as effective remedies. Moreover, the non-toxic nature of these extracts enhances their appeal as potential natural antimicrobial agents within the pharmaceutical industry. Further research is warranted to explore their therapeutic applications and to fully understand the mechanisms behind their antibacterial action.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Waltheria indica?
The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of different extracts of Waltheria indica roots against standard bacteria and to identify the major chemical components present in the extracts.
Which antibacterial activity method was used in the study?
The study utilized the cup agar plate diffusion method to assess the antibacterial activity of both the plant extracts and a reference antibiotic, Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.
What were some key findings regarding antibacterial activity?
Most extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) being as low as less than 3.125 mg/ml against certain bacteria.
What extracts showed high activity against standard bacteria?
The methanolic crude extract, n-butanol extract, and ethyl acetate extract of Waltheria indica roots showed high activity against various standard bacteria at a concentration of 100 mg/ml.
Were the plant extracts found to be toxic?
All tested extracts were non-toxic, showing LC50 values greater than 100 μg/mL, supporting the traditional use of Waltheria indica as a safe herbal medicine.
What conclusion was drawn regarding Waltheria indica's potential uses?
Waltheria indica contains bioactive substances with significant antibacterial properties, suggesting its potential use as a natural antimicrobial agent in the pharmaceutical industry.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of Waltheria indica roots.”. 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:
The word 'Activity' refers to the measurable response or effect exhibited by the extracts of Waltheria indica against various bacterial strains. In the context of the study, it highlights the antibacterial properties of the plant extracts, providing insights into their potential use in medicinal applications for combating bacterial infections.
2) Aureus:
This term specifically refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria tested during the study. S. aureus is known to cause various infections in humans. Its inclusion in the research indicates the relevance of investigating how plant extracts can inhibit or affect this pathogen, underlining their therapeutic potential.
3) Water:
Water is essential as it serves as a solvent in the extraction process of the plant's bioactive compounds. The study evaluates a water extract of Waltheria indica, exploring its antibacterial properties. It underscores the significance of aqueous extraction in traditional medicine, showcasing how natural remedies can be prepared.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are compounds used to treat infections caused by bacteria. This term is significant in the study as it compares the antibacterial efficacy of the plant extracts to conventional antibiotics like Amoklan. The research emphasizes the search for effective natural alternatives to mitigate the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
5) Cutan:
Sudan is relevant as the geographical context of the study, highlighting the local use of medicinal plants for treating infections. Understanding its cultural significance and biodiversity emphasizes the importance of researching native plants, like Waltheria indica, which are integral to Sudanese herbal medicine and traditional healing practices.
6) Table:
In scientific studies, tables are vital for organizing and presenting data effectively. In this research, tables summarize the results of antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). They provide a clear and concise way to compare the efficacy of different extracts against various bacterial strains found in the study.
7) Drug:
Drugs, broadly defined, encompass all chemical substances used to treat diseases. This term is significant in the study as it emphasizes the potential for plant extracts like Waltheria indica to be developed and validated as effective natural drugs, offering alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals in treating infections.
8) Medicine:
Medicines encompass all substances used for treating illnesses. In the context of this study, it implies a broader category that includes both synthetic drugs and herbal remedies like Waltheria indica. Recognizing different forms of medicine underscores the importance of evaluating plant extracts in the context of holistic healthcare.
9) Line:
The term 'Line' refers to the cell line used in cytotoxicity testing within the study—specifically the Vero cell line. Understanding the effects of plant extracts on cell lines is pivotal in evaluating their safety and potential cytotoxic properties, essential for assessing their suitability for medicinal use.
10) Science (Scientific):
Here, 'Science' refers to the systematic study of the natural world. In this paper, scientific principles underpin the research methodology and analysis of the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of Waltheria indica, demonstrating the importance of empirical research in validating traditional practices and advancing medical knowledge.
11) Medium:
In laboratory settings, 'Medium' refers to the substances used to grow cells or microorganisms. The study discusses minimal essential medium (MEM) used for culturing Vero cells, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate media for accurate assessment of cytotoxicity and the viability of derived extracts in biological samples.
12) Study (Studying):
The word 'Study' is central to the research endeavor, representing the systematic investigation of Waltheria indica's antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity. It signifies the structured approach taken to gather data, analyze results, and contribute to knowledge regarding natural antimicrobial agents, emphasizing the value of scientific inquiry.
13) Inflammation:
The term 'Inflammation' refers to the biological response to harmful stimuli, and it is often a target for treatment in traditional medicine. The study mentions Waltheria indica's use in managing inflammatory conditions, highlighting the significance of understanding natural treatments for diseases characterized by inflammation and their potential therapeutic applications.
14) Trade:
The term 'Trade,' specifically in the context of pharmaceuticals, refers to the commercialization and distribution of medicinal products. In this study, it highlights the potential for plant-derived compounds to be developed into marketable products, offering insights into the economic and therapeutic implications of utilizing local plants in global markets.
15) Raja:
Rajaa refers to Dr. Rajaa H. Tabidi, the corresponding author of the study. Her role underscores the contribution of individual researchers in advancing knowledge about traditional medicine and its scientific validation. It reflects the importance of collaboration between various scientific disciplines to promote the use of heritage plants in modern therapeutics.
16) Discussion:
Discussion sections in research papers analyze findings in the context of existing literature. It allows authors to interpret results, compare them with previous studies, and discuss implications. In this study, the discussion emphasizes the significance of antibacterial activity in relation to other studies on Waltheria indica and potential applications.
17) Developing:
The term 'Developing' refers to countries where traditional medicine plays a crucial role in healthcare, often due to limited access to conventional treatments. This context highlights the importance of studying local flora, like Waltheria indica, to discover effective natural remedies and address health challenges faced in these regions.
18) Substance:
Similar to substances, 'Substance' refers to any specific chemical compound derived from the plant extracts. The identification of particular active substances from Waltheria indica contributes to the understanding of how these compounds exhibit antibacterial and cytotoxic effects, influencing the development of new natural therapies.
19) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a type of polyphenolic compound known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study mentions flavonoids as one of the active components found in Waltheria indica, emphasizing their importance in the plant's medicinal efficacy and their role in supporting traditional therapeutic applications.
20) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Traditional uses of Waltheria indica for treating such conditions highlight its relevance in folk medicine. Investigating its efficacy on diseases like epilepsy contributes to understanding how natural plants can provide holistic treatments in modern medicine.
21) Disease:
Similar to diseases, 'Disease' pertains specifically to individual health conditions that may be treated with medicinal plants. This term exemplifies the relevance of Waltheria indica in managing various ailments, encouraging further research on its therapeutic potential against specific diseases prevalent in local communities.
22) Species:
Species denotes the specific classification of organisms in biological research. This study analyzes the antibacterial activity against specific bacterial species, underscoring the importance of knowing the target organisms for effective treatment using plant extracts, facilitating focused research on particularly harmful pathogens.
23) Panama:
Panama is mentioned in the context of traditional medicinal uses of Waltheria indica. Its inclusion illustrates the plant's widespread application across different cultures and geographical areas, emphasizing the significance of global ethnobotanical knowledge in understanding the full range of therapeutic potentials of this plant.
24) Forest:
The term 'Forest' implies the natural habitats where medicinal plants thrive. In the context of this study, it highlights the ecological importance of preserving biodiversity, as many traditional remedies rely on plants found in forests. Forest preservation is crucial for continued access to these valuable natural resources.
25) Family:
Family refers to the taxonomic category that groups related species. Waltheria indica belongs to the Malvaceae family, which signifies its relationship with other plants in this family. Understanding the taxonomic relationships aids in studying the chemical properties and potential applications of related species in medicine.
26) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The mention of traditional uses of Waltheria indica in cancer treatment emphasizes the importance of researching its active compounds, as it may provide insights into novel therapies and natural alternatives to synthetic cancer treatments.
27) Indian:
The term 'Indian' refers to cultural and traditional practices associated with India, where herbal medicine is widely practiced. The reference to Indian medicine in this study signifies the broad cultural context of using plants like Waltheria indica, highlighting the convergence of various traditional medical systems and practices across regions.
28) Raga:
Raga refers to Dr. Raga E. Osman, one of the contributing researchers. This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research and the importance of various specialists working together to validate traditional medicine and discover new therapeutic potentials in herbs like Waltheria indica.
29) Rich (Rch):
The term 'Rich' implies abundance, particularly regarding Sudan's biodiversity. It emphasizes the wealth of plant resources available in the region, encouraging the exploration of local flora like Waltheria indica for medicinal purposes. This richness is critical for promoting sustainable practices in traditional medicine and conservation efforts.
30) Pain:
Pain signifies the unpleasant sensory experience often resulting from injuries or illnesses. The study mentions the use of Waltheria indica for managing pain, emphasizing its relevance in traditional medicine. Highlighting this aspect reinforces the potential for natural remedies to address significant health challenges faced by communities.
31) Post:
In the context of scholarly articles, 'Post' typically refers to a section or commentary following the main body of research. In this study, it could relate to subsequent discussions, analyses, or implications of findings. It indicates the importance of reflecting on research outcomes and their potential applications in practice.
32) Life:
The term 'Life' encompasses the broader aspects of existence, including health and wellness. In this study, it underscores the significance of using natural substances derived from plants like Waltheria indica to promote better health outcomes and enhance the quality of life, particularly in communities reliant on traditional medicine.