A review on antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of western ghat
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review on antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of western ghat
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The review explores the antibacterial activities of various medicinal plants found in the Western Ghats of India. Due to the growing problems of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance, there is an increasing interest in natural alternatives for treatment. Medicinal plants, known for their antimicrobial properties, offer a rich source of potential drugs that could be effective, safe, and affordable.
Antibacterial Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn
Boerhaavia diffusa Linn exhibits significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, particularly in its methanol and petroleum ether extracts. The plant's aerial parts and roots were tested, showing a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, the methanol extract of the aerial parts demonstrated stronger antibacterial action than the petroleum ether extract, with varying zones of inhibition against different bacterial strains, making it a potent antibacterial agent.
Antibacterial Activity of Aegle marmelos
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as Bilwa, is another plant with promising antibacterial properties. Its essential oil from leaves has shown broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Various solvent extracts of Aegle marmelos, particularly the petroleum ether extracts of leaf, stem, and root, demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against multiple pathogenic bacteria. The leaf extract was especially effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, and other bacterial strains, indicating its potential as a powerful antibacterial agent.
Antibacterial Activity of Tinospora cordifolia
Tinospora cordifolia belongs to the Menispermaceae family and is used in various indigenous medicines. Contrary to some earlier findings, recent data suggest that the ethanol extract of T. cordifolia roots exhibits significant antibacterial activity against several strains, including Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. This plant also showcases in vitro inactivating properties against Hepatitis B and E surface antigens, suggesting its multifaceted medicinal value.
Conclusion
Medicinal plants offer a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics, presenting fewer side effects and high efficacy. The therapeutic properties of these plants are attributed to their active principles, which require extensive research for isolation and characterization. By delving deeper into the potential of these plants, we can develop safer and more cost-effective antibacterial treatments.
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.
Ashajyothi Chavan, Ramachandra Yarapa Lakshmikantha, Padmalatha Rai Satwadi
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review on antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of western ghat
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal plants studied in this review?
The review studied Boerhaavia diffusa, Aerva lanata, Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Tinospora cordifolia, Hemidesmus indicus, Adhatoda vasica, Alstonia schlolaris, Mimosa pudica, Tabernaemantana coronariae, and Asperagus racemosus.
Why are medicinal plants gaining popularity?
Medicinal plants are gaining popularity due to the rapid increase in infections, antibiotic resistance in microorganisms, and the side effects of synthetic antibiotics.
What is the significance of methanol extracts in antibacterial activity?
Methanol extracts often showed significant antibacterial activity. For example, methanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa exhibited strong antibacterial activity compared to petroleum ether extracts.
Which bacteria are commonly affected by these medicinal plants?
Commonly affected bacteria include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Are herbal drugs considered safer than synthetic antibiotics?
Yes, herbal drugs are considered clinically effective and safer alternatives to synthetic antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.
What is required for better antibacterial drug development from plants?
Extensive research in the isolation and characterization of active principles from medicinal plants is required to develop better, safer, and cost-effective antibacterial drugs.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review on antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of western ghat”. 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 antibacterial and antifungal properties exhibited by various plant extracts discussed in the article. These activities include inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth, which are important for validating the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants mentioned in the study.
2) Drug:
Drug in the context of this article refers to agents derived from plant extracts that exhibit antibacterial properties. These phytochemical-based drugs are highlighted as potential alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, offering effective and safer treatments for bacterial infections.
3) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia is one of the medicinal plants evaluated for its antibacterial properties. The study found its ethanol extract to exhibit significant zones of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.
4) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma is another medicinal plant analyzed for its antibacterial activity in the article. Ethanol extracts of its stem and root showed maximum zones of inhibition against several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, which indicates its potential use in treating infections.
5) Adhatoda vasica:
Adhatoda vasica is highlighted for its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Different extracts of this plant displayed significant zones of inhibition, marking it as a promising candidate for antimicrobial drug development.
6) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus is discussed for its antibacterial efficacy. Methanol extracts of its roots and rhizomes showed significant activity against multiple bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, suggesting its potential use as a source of natural antimicrobial compounds.
7) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos is noted for its antibacterial and antifungal activities. The petroleum ether extract of its leaves showed significant zones of inhibition against multiple bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, thereby supporting its traditional use in treating infectious diseases.
8) Substance:
Substance refers to the chemical compounds produced by plants that exhibit antibacterial properties. These natural substances, such as phenolics and flavonoids, play crucial roles in the medicinal efficacy of plant extracts discussed in this review.
9) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a category of phytochemicals known for their health benefits, including antimicrobial properties. The article suggests that these compounds contribute significantly to the antibacterial activities observed in various medicinal plant extracts.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science in the context of this article refers to the systematic study of plant extracts for their antimicrobial properties. The scientific approach includes isolating, characterizing, and testing the efficacy of phytochemicals to develop effective antibacterial drugs.
11) Reason:
Reason denotes the underlying rationale for researching plant-based antimicrobials. As discussed, the increasing antibiotic resistance and side effects of synthetic drugs drive the exploration of medicinal plants as safer and effective alternatives.
12) Jnana (Jñāna):
Jnana, part of the address for Kuvempu University (Jnana Sahyadri), refers to 'knowledge' in Sanskrit. It signifies the institution's commitment to research and education, particularly in the field of biotechnology and medicinal plant studies.
13) Water:
Water is a solvent used in the extraction process of plant compounds. Various extracts, including aqueous extracts, are evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against pathogens, contributing to the comprehensive study of plant efficacy.
14) Ulcer:
Ulcer is mentioned in the context of bacterial infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, a common pathogen. The study includes plants like Asparagus racemosus, which shows activities against such bacteria, highlighting their potential role in treating ulcers.