In vitro antimicrobial activity of tal sindoor
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: In vitro antimicrobial activity of tal sindoor
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research article investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Tal Sindoor, a unique Ayurvedic formulation categorized as a Kupipakwa Rasayana. Composed of mercury, sulphur, and arsenic tri-sulphide, Thal Sindoor has been traditionally indicated for various skin disorders and infectious diseases. The study employs two well-established experimental methods, Gradient Plate Technique and Kirby-Bauer method, to evaluate the efficacy of Tal Sindoor against seven types of microorganisms, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Tal Sindoor
The study's findings reveal that Tal Sindoor possesses significant antimicrobial properties against several pathogenic microorganisms. Notably, it was effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial effectiveness was quantitatively measured using the Gradient Plate Technique, which demonstrated varying zones of inhibition across the tested microbes. This suggests that Tal Sindoor can be classified as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, capable of combating multiple types of infections.
Preparation and Pharmacological Insights
The study details the meticulous preparation process of Tal Sindoor, highlighting steps such as the purification of ingredients—mercury, sulphur, and arsenic tri-sulphide—each subjected to specific shodhana (purification) processes. The Kupipakwa method, which utilizes gradual heating, alters the physical and chemical properties of the raw components, leading to superior therapeutic qualities. This sophisticated pharmaceutical preparation exemplifies ancient Indian chemical knowledge and emphasizes the significance of proper formulation in determining the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research underscores the potential of Tal Sindoor as an effective antimicrobial agent, validated by its ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogens in vitro. While it demonstrates effectiveness against multiple microorganisms, Tal Sindoor showed no activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, indicating the need for further investigation into its clinical applications. The study advocates for more comprehensive research into Tal Sindoor's clinical efficacy to better understand its applications in contemporary medicine for treating infections and skin diseases.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
*Dasari Srilakshmi
Ayurvedic Physician and Physiotherapist, SGS Hospital, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Swetha S
Centre for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Jakkasandra post, Ramanagaram, Bangalore, India.
Prasanna Lakshmi
Consultant Physician, Atlanta, Georgia.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: In vitro antimicrobial activity of tal sindoor
Year: 2014
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the key ingredients in Tal Sindoor?
Tal Sindoor is primarily composed of mercury (Parada), sulphur (Gandhak), and arsenic trisulphide (Haratal). These ingredients are known for their therapeutic properties in treating various skin disorders and infections.
What methods were used to test Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial activity?
The antimicrobial activity of Tal Sindoor was tested using two methods: the Gradient Plate Technique and the Kirby-Bauer method, which helped assess its effectiveness against various bacterial strains and fungi.
Which microbes were affected by Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial properties?
Tal Sindoor demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans, while showing resistance against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In vitro antimicrobial activity of tal sindoor”. 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 study investigates the anti-microbial activity of Tal Sindoor using Gradient plate technique and Kirby-bauer method. Activity measures the effectiveness against specific microbes. Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial activity is confirmed against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, S. mutans, and C. albicans.
2) Kajjali:
Kajjali is a Khalvi Rasayana used in Ayurveda to potentiate Parada (mercury). It involves triturating Parada with Gandhak (sulfur). Kajjali's formation is confirmed through specific tests ensuring no free mercury is present, eventually transformed into Tal Sindoor through heating.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-biotic properties of Tal Sindoor were measured using methods like the Gradient Plate Technique and Kirby-bauer method, demonstrating effectiveness against certain microbes as broad-spectrum antibiotics.
4) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to specialized rejuvenating preparations in Ayurveda. Tal Sindoor, a Kupipakwa Rasayana, is processed through Agni Samskara, modifying its properties from Kajjali and demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits.
5) Parada:
Parada, or mercury, is a key ingredient in Tal Sindoor. It undergoes purification (Shodhana) and is combined with sulfur and arsenic trisulfide to form Kajjali. This process enhances its therapeutic properties.
6) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium tested in the study. Tal Sindoor exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus in both the Gradient plate technique and Kirby-bauer method.
7) Drug:
Tal Sindoor is the drug tested for antimicrobial activity. It is prepared using Ayurvedic methods and evaluated for its effectiveness against various microbes, proving effective against certain strains while resistant to others.
8) Dasari:
Dr. Dasari Srilakshmi is one of the authors of the study on Tal Sindoor’s antimicrobial activity. As an Ayurvedic physician and physiotherapist, she conducted the research to validate the drug's efficacy.
9) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana is the process of purification in Ayurveda. In the preparation of Tal Sindoor, Shodhana is applied to Parada, Gandhak, and Haratal to ensure their detoxification before use.
10) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is referenced as the location of several Sanskrit texts and their publishers which provide traditional methodologies for preparations like Tal Sindoor.
11) Kumari:
Kumari, or Aloe vera, is used in the preparation of Tal Sindoor. The pulp of Kumari is added during the trituration of Kajjali, playing a crucial role in the binding process of ingredients.
12) India:
The study and preparation of Tal Sindoor were conducted in India, specifically by Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers based in Karnataka and Bangalore, reflecting traditional Ayurvedic practices.
13) Valukayantra (Valuka-yantra):
Valuka-yantra, or Valukayantra, is an apparatus used to provide uniform and gradual heating essential for preparing Tal Sindoor, resulting in effective therapeutic properties.
14) Purification:
Purification, or Shodhana, is essential in preparing Tal Sindoor. Mercury, sulfur, and arsenic trisulfide are purified to remove toxins, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the final product.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine where Tal Sindoor originates. The study explores its antimicrobial properties, validating ancient practices through modern scientific methods.
16) Heating:
Heating, or Agni Samskara, is a crucial process in the preparation of Tal Sindoor. It involves using gradual heat to transform Kajjali into the final product, enhancing its therapeutic properties.
17) Disease:
Tal Sindoor is indicated in several infectious diseases including skin disorders, abscesses, and conditions involving itching and fever. The study evaluates its efficacy against various pathogenic microbes.
18) Valuka:
Valuka refers to sand used in the Valukayantra apparatus for providing uniform heating during the Kupipakwa process, ensuring the even transformation of Kajjali into Tal Sindoor.
19) Medium:
Medium in the context of antimicrobial testing refers to the agar medium used in Gradient Plate and Kirby-Bauer methods. It is essential for observing microbial growth and inhibition zones.
20) Powder:
Tal Sindoor, once prepared, is a brownish-red powdered form. This powder is used in antimicrobial testing by dissolving it in a solvent before applying it to test media and microbial cultures.
21) Filling (Filled):
Kajjali is filled into a Kachakupi (glass bottle) after preparation and covered with layers of cloth and Multani mud. This setup is then placed in Valukayantra for the Kupipakwa process.
22) Rakta:
Rakta Dhatu refers to the blood tissue in Ayurveda. Tal Sindoor is indicated for conditions involving vitiated Rakta Dhatu, showcasing its therapeutic properties in treating related disorders.
23) Sara (Shara):
Sara refers to essence or core Ayurvedic knowledge. Texts like Rasayana Sara provide traditional formulas and processes for preparing compounds like Tal Sindoor.
24) Vidradhi:
Vidradhi refers to abscesses in Ayurveda. Tal Sindoor is indicated for treating Vidradhi, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing infectious conditions through its antimicrobial properties.
25) Rasendra (Rasa-indra):
Rasendra refers to mercury in Ayurveda. Texts like Rasendra Sambhava provide guidelines for preparing and processing mercury-based compounds like Tal Sindoor.
26) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language of Ayurvedic texts that detail the preparation and therapeutic uses of medicines like Tal Sindoor, reflecting the rich heritage of Ayurvedic practices.
27) Sindura (Simdura):
Sindura or Tal Sindoor is the focal compound of the study, prepared using traditional Ayurvedic methods and tested for its antimicrobial efficacy against various pathogenic microbes.
28) Krishna (Krsna):
Texts like Rasayoga Sagara by Krishna Das provide detailed procedures for preparing Ayurvedic compounds such as Tal Sindoor, which are crucial for standardizing traditional medicines.
29) Mineral:
Mineral preparations like Tal Sindoor in Ayurveda involve using purified minerals and metals, providing unique therapeutic benefits validated through processes like Kupipakwa and Shodhana.
30) Science (Scientific):
Scientific validation is applied to traditional Ayurvedic knowledge in this study, using empirical methods to test the antimicrobial properties of Tal Sindoor, bridging ancient wisdom with modern science.
31) Surface:
Surface refers to the agar plate’s surface used in microbial cultivation where Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial activity is tested, observing zones of inhibition and microbial growth patterns.
32) Yantra (Yamtra):
Yantra refers to apparatus in Ayurveda. Valukayantra and KachaKupi are examples used in preparing Tal Sindoor, ensuring controlled heating and transformation of the ingredients.
33) Shuddha (Suddha):
Suddha means purified. Ingredients like Suddha Parada (purified mercury), Suddha Gandhak (purified sulfur), and Suddha Haratal (purified arsenic trisulfide) are essential for safety and efficacy in Ayurvedic preparations.
34) Ratti:
Ratti is a traditional unit of measurement in Ayurveda. The maximum recommended dose of Tal Sindoor is 1-2 Ratti (125-250 mg), used in various infectious and skin-related conditions.
35) Fever:
Tal Sindoor is indicated in fever and related conditions such as Sannipataja Jwara, showcasing its broad therapeutic applications beyond just antimicrobial properties.
36) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to mercury-based preparations in Ayurveda. Tal Sindoor is a Rasa preparation involving the alchemical processing of mercury with sulf ur and arsenic trisulfide, resulting in a potent therapeutic agent.
37) Fire:
Fire, used in gradual heating or Agni Samskara, is essential in the Kupipakwa process for Tal Sindoor, transforming the ingredients into a therapeutically potent compound.
38) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna refers to anti-itching properties. Gandhak, an ingredient in Tal Sindoor, is known for its Kandughna properties, making the compound effective against skin conditions involving itching.
39) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the location where part of the research was conducted. The researchers from Mysore and Bangalore's institutions in Karnataka contributed to the study on Tal Sindoor.
40) Upadamsha (Upadamsa):
Upadamsha, or gonorrhea, is one of the infectious conditions indicated for treatment with Tal Sindoor, reflecting its antimicrobial and therapeutic applications in traditional Ayurveda.
41) Knowledge:
The study aims to add to existing knowledge by scientifically validating the antimicrobial properties of Tal Sindoor, derived from ancient Ayurvedic texts, enhancing our understanding of traditional medicines.
42) Shambhava (Sambhava):
Rasendra Sambhava is one of the texts providing references for preparing Tal Sindoor, highlighting the traditional methods and formulations used in creating this Ayurvedic compound.
43) Prasanna:
Prasanna Lakshmi is one of the co-authors of the study, contributing to the research on the antimicrobial activity of Tal Sindoor, emphasizing its therapeutic applications.
44) Medicine:
Tal Sindoor is an Ayurvedic medicine evaluated for its antimicrobial properties. The study validates its use against various infectious conditions, supporting its traditional applications.
45) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to imbalances in Ayurvedic doshas or dhatus. Tal Sindoor is used to treat conditions involving vitiated Rakta Dhatu, showcasing its effectiveness in balancing bodily elements.
46) Lakshmi (Laksmi):
Prasanna Lakshmi is one of the authors of the study on Tal Sindoor, contributing to the validation of this Ayurvedic preparation's antimicrobial properties.
47) Camphor:
Camphor, or Karpura, is used to ignite the firewood in the Valukayantra during the Kupipakwa process, ensuring a steady and gradual heat essential for preparing Tal Sindoor.
48) Species:
The study tested Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial activity against seven species of microbes, including gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, to determine its broad-spectrum efficacy.
49) Itching:
Itching, or Kandu, is a condition treated with Tal Sindoor due to its antimicrobial properties. The study's results support its use in Ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions involving itching.
50) Vaidya:
Vaidya is an Ayurvedic physician. The study was conducted by Vaidya Dasari Srilakshmi, emphasizing the role of traditional practitioners in validating ancient medicinal preparations.
51) Mysore:
Mysore, Karnataka, is where one of the researchers, Dr. Dasari Srilakshmi, is based. The study on Tal Sindoor's antimicrobial properties was partly conducted here, reflecting local Ayurvedic practices.
52) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Vaidya Pandit Sharma Hariprapanna, mentioned in the references, is an author of traditional Ayurvedic texts that guide the preparation and indications of Tal Sindoor.
53) Ashrama (Asrama):
SGS Hospital, situated in Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram, Mysore, is where Ayurvedic physician Dr. Dasari Srilakshmi practices, contributing to the study on Tal Sindoor.
54) Cotton:
Cotton swabs are used to spread bacterial cultures on agar plates in antimicrobial testing, such as the Kirby-Bauer method, to evaluate the effectiveness of Tal Sindoor against selected microbes.
55) Shila (Sila):
Shila Sindura is another mineral preparation mentioned as related to Tal Sindoor. It is processed using the Kupipakwa method, reflecting similar traditional Ayurvedic practices.
56) Glass:
Glass bottles, or Kachakupi, are used to hold Kajjali during the Kupipakwa process, covering with Multani mitti to withstand heat, crucial for preparing Tal Sindoor.
57) Water:
Shodhita Gandhak (purified sulfur) is washed with warm water as part of its purification process before being used in preparing Tal Sindoor, ensuring its detoxification.
58) Table:
Table data in the study presents the results, including quantities before and after processes, yielding percentages, and the activity of Tal Sindoor against different microbes in antimicrobial tests.
59) Study (Studying):
The study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Tal Sindoor, using scientific methods to validate its effectiveness against various microbes, supporting its traditional Ayurvedic use.
60) Carva:
Sarva Kushtahara denotes that Tal Sindoor is indicated for all types of skin disorders, showcasing its broad therapeutic application in Ayurveda for treating various skin-related conditions.
61) Kaca:
Kacha Kupi is a glass bottle used in the Kupipakwa process to prepare Tal Sindoor, requiring careful handling to avoid breakage during the heating and transformation of Kajjali.
62) Katu:
Haratal used in Tal Sindoor has Katu rasa (pungent taste) which is one of the properties contributing to its therapeutic effects in treating skin conditions and infections in Ayurveda.
63) Yoga:
Yoga in Ayurvedic context refers to formulations; the specific combination of ingredients and processes used to prepare medicines like Tal Sindoor, ensuring their efficacy and safety.
64) Shand (Sand):
Sand, or Valuka, is used in the Valukayantra apparatus. It provides uniform heating during the Kupipakwa process, essential for transforming Kajjali into the final product, Tal Sindoor.
65) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Preparation of Tal Sindoor involves heating methods which can be hazardous. In a metaphorical sense, burn injuries and discontinuation in the skin can also be treated with Tal Sindoor due to its antimicrobial properties.
66) Benincasa hispida:
The pulp juice of Benincasa hispida (Kushmanda) is used for the purification of Haratal (arsenic trisulfide), one of the key ingredients in Tal Sindoor, ensuring its detoxification.
67) Khalvayantra (Khalva-yantra):
Khalva-yantra, or mortar and pestle, is used for triturating ingredients like Parada and Gandhak to prepare Kajjali in the initial stages of preparing Tal Sindoor in Ayurvedic processes.
68) Shuddhaparada (Suddhaparada, Shuddha-parada):
Suddha-parada refers to purified mercury used in preparing Tal Sindoor. Purification involves triturating Parada with turmeric and Aloe vera, ensuring it is detoxified for safe use.
69) Dolayantra (Dola-yantra, Dolayamtra):
Dola-yantra is used for Swedana (steam processing) in the purification of Haratal (arsenic trisulfide), one of the key ingredients in Tal Sindoor, ensuring its detoxification before use.
70) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
Raktadhatu (blood tissue) in Ayurveda is targeted by Tal Sindoor for conditions involving vitiated blood, illustrating its detoxifying and balancing properties.
71) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna refers to the Ayurvedic pharmacological properties of herbal and mineral drugs. Tal Sindoor's preparation and use are grounded in Dravyaguna principles, focusing on its therapeutic effects.
72) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study analyzes the results, interpreting the antimicrobial activity of Tal Sindoor against various microbes, and contextualizes findings within traditional Ayurvedic practices.
73) Kaphaghna (Kapha-ghna):
Haratal, used in Tal Sindoor, has Kaphaghna properties, meaning it helps to reduce Kapha dosha. This contributes to its therapeutic effects, especially in conditions caused by excess Kapha.
74) Sudhakara (Sudha-akara, Sudha-kara):
Rasapraksha Sudhakara is an ancient text tracing the origins of Sindura Kalpas. It provides traditional references for the preparation of compounds like Tal Sindoor, showing its historical significance.
75) Indradeva:
Indradeva translated key Ayurvedic texts like Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, which guide the preparation and therapeutic uses of compounds like Tal Sindoor, providing valuable insights for the study.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 132]