Inhibitory effects of some indigenous medicinal plants on Salmonella and Candida
a phenomenous approach
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Inhibitory effect of some indigenous medicinal plants against human pathogenic bacteria salmonella and fungi candida albicans
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.
Subtitle: a phenomenous approach
Summary of article contents:
Introduction:
The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from various indigenous medicinal plants against human pathogenic bacteria, particularly Salmonella typhimurium, and the fungus Candida albicans. The research focused on plants commonly found in the Jabalpur region of Madhya Pradesh, India, and tested their potential as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials, which often come with side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts:
The key plants tested were Azadirachta indica (Neem), Emblica officinalis (Amla), Terminalia chebula (Harro), Terminalia belerica, Nigella sativa (Kalonji), and the Ayurvedic formulation Triphala (a mix of Harro, Bahera, and Amla). The results showed varying degrees of effectiveness, with Kalonji and Triphala displaying significant antimicrobial activity. Kalonji exhibited the highest inhibition zones against Salmonella typhimurium (14.5mm) and Candida albicans (12mm). Triphala also showed notable inhibitory effects, especially against C. albicans (13.7mm).
Methods of Extraction and Testing:
Ethanolic extracts were prepared for each plant by dissolving different amounts of dried plant material in ethanol and leaving them to steep at room temperature for 72 hours. These extracts were then evaluated using the agar well diffusion method to measure their inhibitory effects on microbial cultures. The study found that ethanol was an effective solvent, extracting more antimicrobial compounds compared to water-based methods traditionally used by local healers.
Significance of Combination Therapy:
The study highlighted the potential benefits of using combinations of different plant extracts, leveraging synergistic effects to enhance antimicrobial activity. For example, Triphala, which is a combination of three different plant powders, demonstrated better results in inhibiting both Salmonella and Candida compared to some individual plant extracts. This suggests that traditional formulations could be optimized for better therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusion:
The research validated the traditional use of certain medicinal plants in treating infections, showing significant antimicrobial properties in the ethanolic extracts of Neem, Harro, Kalonji, and Triphala. These findings support the potential for developing plant-based antimicrobial agents that could be more effective and carry fewer side effects than synthetic alternatives. Future studies should focus on clinical optimization and broader application of these extracts, especially in regions where these plants are readily available.
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.
Mohammad Danish Siddiquie, Ravi Prakash Mishra, Neha Gupta, Minakshi Joshi, Shachi Patel
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Inhibitory effect of some indigenous medicinal plants against human pathogenic bacteria salmonella and fungi candida albicans
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the research?
The research investigates the antibacterial and antifungal activity of ethanolic extracts from various medicinal plants against Salmonella and Candida albicans.
Which plants were tested in the study?
The study tested Azadirachta indica, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Nigella sativa, and Triphala.
What methods were used to test antimicrobial activity?
The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains.
Which plant extract showed the highest activity against Salmonella?
Kalonji ethanolic extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, with a zone of inhibition of 14.5 mm.
Can these plant extracts be used clinically?
The study concludes that these plant extracts hold potential as antimicrobial agents and emphasizes the need for further research to optimize clinical usage and control of infections.
What is the significance of the synergistic effect mentioned?
The synergistic effect in plant combinations, such as Triphala, enhances antimicrobial activity. This makes the combined use of these plants more effective for treating infections.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Inhibitory effects of some indigenous medicinal plants on Salmonella and Candida”. 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 highlights the bioactivity of various plant extracts against pathogens, showing their varying degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activities, which hold potential for therapeutic use.
2) Drug:
The text discusses the need for new antimicrobial drugs due to the rapid spread of resistant bacterial strains and suggests plant-based compounds as viable candidates for new drug development.
3) Neem:
One of the medicinal plants studied, neem (Azadirachta indica), demonstrated antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans, adding to its traditional uses in medicine.
4) Water:
The traditional method of extracting plant compounds often involves the use of water, though the study found ethanol to be a more effective solvent for extracting antimicrobial substances.
5) Amla (Amlā, Āmlā):
Also known as Emblica officinalis, amla was one of the plants tested in the study, though it did not show significant antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens individually.
6) Triphala (Triphalā, Tri-phala):
A herbal formulation consisting of three fruits—Harro, Bahera, and Amla—Triphala showed notable antimicrobial activity against both Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans.
7) Emblica officinalis:
Commonly known as amla, this fruit was tested for its antimicrobial properties, and while it showed no significant activity on its own, it is part of the effective Triphala formulation.
8) Azadirachta indica:
The scientific name for neem, which was studied for its antimicrobial properties and showed effectiveness particularly against Candida albicans.
9) Science (Scientific):
The research applies scientific methodologies to investigate the antimicrobial properties of traditional medicinal plants, aiming for the clinical optimization of these findings.
10) Madhya (Mādhya):
Refers to Madhya Pradesh, the Indian state where the study was conducted and where plant samples were collected for research.
11) Medicine:
The context of the study is deeply rooted in both traditional and modern medicine, seeking to harness plant-based compounds for therapeutic use against infections.
12) Post:
Refers to the Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Biological Sciences, where the study was conducted, emphasizing the role of academic institutions in such research.
13) Terminalia chebula:
One of the plants studied, commonly known as Harro, which showed antimicrobial activity and is also a component of the Triphala formulation.
14) Knowledge:
The traditional knowledge about the use of various plants for medicinal purposes is scientifically validated and expanded upon in this study.
15) Substance:
The study investigates various plant-based substances for their antimicrobial properties, aiming to find effective therapeutic agents against pathogens.
16) Toxicity:
The text highlights the need for extensive toxicity testing of plant-based drugs to ensure their safety for human use, despite their potential therapeutic benefits.
17) Reason:
The overuse of synthetic antibiotics leading to drug-resistant strains is a key reason for the shift towards exploring plant-based antimicrobial agents.
18) Blood:
One of the clinical specimens from which Salmonella species were isolated for the study, emphasizing the pathogen's presence in various body fluids.
19) Discussion:
The section where the study’s findings are analyzed, comparing the antimicrobial efficacy of different plant extracts and discussing their potential clinical applications.
20) Flavonoid:
A type of secondary metabolite found in plants, known for its antimicrobial properties and contributing to the therapeutic potential of the studied plant extracts.
21) Minakshi (Mīnākṣī, Mina-akshi):
One of the co-authors (Minakshi Joshi) involved in conducting the research on the antimicrobial properties of traditional medicinal plants.
22) Scorpion:
Mentioned in the context of Nigella sativa, which is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including scorpion stings, demonstrating its wide range of medicinal applications.
23) Overuse:
The overuse of antibiotics is cited as a major factor for the rise of multidrug-resistant strains, underscoring the need for alternative treatments such as plant-based antimicrobials.
24) Mishra (Miśra):
One of the co-authors (Ravi Prakash Mishra) involved in the research, contributing to the investigation of the antimicrobial properties of the studied medicinal plants.
25) Spider:
Nigella sativa’s traditional uses include treating spider bites, highlighting its broad spectrum of medicinal properties supported by the study’s findings.
26) Phala (Phāla):
Part of the word 'Triphala,' meaning 'three fruits,' which refers to the combination of Harro, Bahera, and Amla used in the Triphala formulation studied for its antimicrobial activity.
27) Gupta (Guptā):
One of the co-authors (Neha Gupta) contributing to the study, which investigates the antimicrobial effects of traditional Indian medicinal plants.
28) Ravi (Rāvī, Rāvin, Ravin):
First name of Ravi Prakash Mishra, one of the researchers involved in the study, indicating the collaborative nature of the research project on medicinal plants.
29) Worm:
Nigella sativa is traditionally used to expel intestinal worms, showcasing its various medicinal uses that are also supported by the study’s findings.