Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Plant Extracts
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: In vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of crude drugs of medicinal plants
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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Yadav S.D., Kadam A.S., Kadam D. A., Jadhav S. N. and Aparadh V.T.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: In vitro antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of crude drugs of medicinal plants
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study investigates the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical content of crude powders from medicinal plants: Pterocarpus santalinus, Curcuma aromatica, and Aloe vera. Using the agar cup diffusion method, ethanolic and aqueous extracts were tested against Bacillus subtilis. The study aims to identify secondary metabolites and enhance understanding of these plants' pharmacognostical aspects, which could contribute to the development of effective herbal medicines.
Phytochemical Screening
Phytochemical analysis was conducted using standard methods to identify the presence of compounds like alkaloids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. The findings indicated that different solvents (distilled water, methanol, and chloroform) showed varying solubilities for these compounds. For example, Aloe vera extracts contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, and steroids in all solvents except for specific tests which showed negative responses in chloroform.
Solvent Specificity
The study highlighted that phytochemicals exhibit solvent specificity. In Curcuma aromatica, flavonoids and carbohydrates showed positive responses across all solvents, while saponins did not respond to methanol. In Pterocarpus santalinus, carbohydrates responded positively in methanol, and most phytochemicals were soluble in chloroform, followed by methanol. This specificity is critical for extracting active compounds effectively.
Antibacterial Activity
The antibacterial properties of these medicinal plants against Bacillus subtilis were assessed. Results revealed that Curcuma aromatica exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, forming a zone of inhibition of 3 cm in diameter, compared to 2 cm for Aloe vera and 1.8 cm for Pterocarpus santalinus. This suggests that Curcuma aromatica has significant potential as an antimicrobial agent in herbal medicine.
Conclusion
The results indicate that organic solvents are generally more effective in dissolving phytochemicals. Curcuma aromatica was found to have the highest amount of secondary metabolites and the greatest antibacterial efficacy, supporting its medicinal use. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate solvents for phytochemical extraction and suggest the potential for developing novel herbal antimicrobial agents.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What medicinal plants were studied for antibacterial activity?
The medicinal plants studied were Pterocarpus santalinus, Curcuma aromatica, and Aloe vera. Their crude powders were tested for antibacterial properties and phytochemical contents against Bacillus subtilis.
What methods were used for antimicrobial activity testing?
Antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro using the agar cup diffusion method with both ethanol and aqueous extracts of the selected medicinal plants against Bacillus subtilis.
Which plant showed the highest antibacterial potential?
Curcuma aromatica demonstrated the highest antibacterial potential among the tested plants, followed by Aloe vera and Pterocarpus santalinus.
What solvents were used for extracting plant compounds?
The solvents used for extracting plant compounds were distilled water (DW), methanol, and chloroform.
What are some key secondary metabolites found in the studied plants?
The key secondary metabolites identified include saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids.
Why is there a focus on herbal drugs over synthetic drugs?
Herbal drugs are preferred due to fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs, which can be expensive and have potential adulterations and adverse effects.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Plant Extracts”. 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) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to bioactive compounds derived from plants that have effects on health. In the provided text, the term is used to describe the chemical constituents in medicinal plants, such as flavonoids and saponins, that contribute to their antibacterial properties.
2) Drug:
Drug in this context refers to medicinal substances derived from plants, such as Pterocarpus santalinus, Curcuma aromatica, and Aloe vera, which are used for their therapeutic properties. The text discusses how these plant-derived drugs are used for treating diseases.
3) Activity:
Activity describes the biochemical or pharmacological effects exerted by medicinal plant compounds, such as their antimicrobial properties. In the text, 'activity' often refers to the antibacterial effects of plant extracts against Bacillus subtilis.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial denotes substances that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. The text discusses the anti-bacterial activity of plant extracts, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments for bacterial infections.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a type of phytochemical known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the text, flavonoids are identified as one of the compounds in plant extracts that contribute to their medicinal efficacy.
6) Nighantu (Nighaṇṭu, Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to traditional Indian compendiums or dictionaries of medicinal plants and their uses. The text mentions Nighantus, like Bhavaprakasa Nighantu and Raja Nighantu, which document the medicinal properties of Pterocarpus santalinus.
7) Medicine:
Medicine in the text refers to the use of plant-derived compounds for therapeutic purposes. It highlights the medicinal applications of plants like Curcuma aromatica, which is used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world. The text is part of scientific research investigating the phytochemical contents and antibacterial activities of medicinal plants.
9) Blood:
Blood is mentioned concerning the medicinal effects of Pterocarpus santalinus, which is traditionally used to purify blood and treat blood-related diseases. The term underscores the therapeutic applications of this plant in traditional medicine.
10) Bhavaprakashanighantu (Bhāvaprakāśanighaṇṭu, Bhavaprakasha-nighantu):
Bhavaprakasa-nighantu is a traditional Indian text documenting the medicinal properties of plants, including their uses in treating various ailments. The text cites it to highlight the historical uses of Pterocarpus santalinus.
11) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical relates to the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources. The text mentions pharmacognostical parameters to indicate the study's focus on characterizing the drugs' physical and chemical properties.
12) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the science of drugs, including their composition, uses, and effects. The text refers to the pharmacological properties of Curcuma aromatica, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.
13) Rajanighantu (Rājanighaṇṭu, Raja-nighantu, Rajan-nighantu):
Raja-nighantu is another traditional Indian text that catalogs the medicinal uses of various plants. The study cites it to emphasize the historical and traditional knowledge of Pterocarpus santalinus's medicinal properties.
14) Shukradhatu (Śukradhātu, Shukra-dhatu):
Sukra-dhatu is a term from Ayurveda referring to the reproductive tissue or essence in the body. The text states that Pterocarpus santalinus is beneficial to sukra dhatu, highlighting its role in reproductive health.
15) Pittadosha (Pittadoṣa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta-dosha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing fire and water elements, responsible for metabolism and transformation. The text mentions that Pterocarpus santalinus alleviates pitta dosha, indicating its cooling and balancing effects.
16) Knowledge:
Knowledge in the text context refers to traditional and scientific understanding of the medicinal properties of plants. The study bridges ancient Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific research to validate the therapeutic uses of medicinal plants.
17) Substance:
Substance refers to the active compounds in medicinal plants. The text studies substances like alkaloids and tannins that contribute to the antimicrobial properties of the plants being investigated.
18) Vomiting:
Vomiting is listed as one of the conditions treated with Pterocarpus santalinus in traditional medicine. The text mentions it to highlight the broad spectrum of therapeutic applications of this plant.
19) Turmeric:
Turmeric, specifically Curcuma aromatica, is a medicinal plant identified in the text for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunological effects. The study assesses its secondary metabolites and antibacterial activity.
20) Harada (Haradā, Haraḍa):
Harada refers to a study author mentioned in the reference list. Okamura, N., Hine, N., Harada, S., et al. conducted research on the phytochemical properties of Aloe vera, contributing to the scientific understanding of its medicinal benefits.
21) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
Dosha refers to three constitutional types in Ayurvedic medicine (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that govern physiological and psychological functions. The text mentions Pterocarpus santalinus's effect on doshas, particularly Pitta and Kapha.
22) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta, one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, represents fire and water and governs digestion and metabolism. The text mentions Pterocarpus santalinus’s role in alleviating Pitta-related conditions due to its cooling properties.
23) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, composed of earth and water elements, responsible for structure and lubrication in the body. The text mentions Pterocarpus santalinus’s efficacy in balancing Kapha dosha.
24) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta refers to blood in the context of this text, where Pterocarpus santalinus is noted for its blood-purifying properties. The term emphasizes the plant's traditional use in treating blood-related ailments.
25) Dhatu (Dhātu):
Dhatu refers to the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurvedic medicine, including blood (Rakta) and reproductive fluid (Sukra). The text discusses the benefits of Pterocarpus santalinus for these tissues.
26) Shukra (Śukrā, Śukra):
Sukra refers to the reproductive tissue or essence in Ayurvedic medicine. The text states that Pterocarpus santalinus is beneficial to Sukra dhatu, emphasizing its role in enhancing reproductive health.
27) Sugar:
Sugar refers to the carbohydrate content in the medicinal plants studied. The text mentions using Benedict’s and Fehling’s tests to detect reducing sugars in plant extracts.
28) Raja (Rāja, Rājā):
Raja references Raja-nighantu, an Ayurvedic text cited in the study. It documents traditional medicinal uses of plants, providing historical context for the current scientific investigation.