Antimicrobial activity of nerium indicum
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of nerium indicum
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increasing resistance of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, to various antimicrobial agents has prompted the need for alternative treatments. This study focuses on the antimicrobial activity of Nerium indicum, a plant that has been historically recognized for its medicinal properties. The research aims to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Nerium indicum against multi-drug resistant bacteria, specifically Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Antimicrobial Activity of Alcoholic Extract
The findings indicate that the alcoholic extract of Nerium indicum exhibited significant antimicrobial properties. The study revealed the maximum zones of inhibition were 34 mm for Streptococcus pyogenes, 23 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, and 22 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae at a concentration of 100 mg. This establishes the potential of Nerium indicum as a strong antimicrobial agent when compared to standard antibiotic discs.
Comparative Effectiveness of Aqueous Extract
In contrast, the aqueous extract of Nerium indicum demonstrated limited effectiveness. It failed to show any antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the inhibition observed against Staphylococcus aureus was minimal, registering at only 14 mm. This highlights the superior efficacy of the alcoholic extract over the aqueous counterpart in combating bacterial infections.
Standard Control Comparison
The study utilized discs impregnated with Chloramphenicol as a standard control for comparison. The alcoholic extracts of Nerium indicum consistently outperformed the standard in inhibiting Streptococcus pyogenes and showed comparable results for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating that Nerium indicum could serve as a valuable alternative or adjunct therapy to traditional antibiotics.
Conclusion
The investigation demonstrates the promising antimicrobial potential of Nerium indicum, particularly its alcoholic extracts, against resistant bacterial strains. Given the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections, the availability of Nerium indicum in regions like Libya suggests a viable alternative for the treatment of microbial infections. Further research may explore the plant's additional medicinal properties and applications in antimicrobial therapy.
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.
Mukul Tailang and Arig Attia Alyaseir
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of nerium indicum
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 main aim of the investigation on Nerium indicum?
The investigation aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Nerium indicum against bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
What extracts of Nerium indicum were tested for antimicrobial activity?
Both ethanolic (alcoholic) and aqueous extracts of Nerium indicum were tested to determine their effectiveness against selected microbial strains.
What were the maximum zones of inhibition observed?
Maximum zones of inhibition were 34 mm for Streptococcus pyogenes, 23 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, and 22 mm for Klebsiella pneumonia using the alcoholic extract.
How were the extracts prepared for testing?
Extracts were prepared through cold maceration using alcoholic and distilled water solutions, followed by filtration and evaporation to dryness before testing.
Did the aqueous extract show any significant antimicrobial activity?
The aqueous extract showed some activity only against Staphylococcus aureus, recording a zone of inhibition of 14 mm, while it did not inhibit Klebsiella pneumonia.
What is suggested regarding the use of Nerium indicum?
Nerium indicum possesses significant antimicrobial potential and may be explored as an alternative treatment option for various microbial infections.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial activity of nerium indicum”. 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) Nerium indicum:
Nerium indicum, commonly known as the oleander, is a plant noted for its medicinal properties, particularly its antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria. Studies have shown that extracts from its leaves can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, making it a candidate for alternative treatments in antimicrobial therapy.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects exhibited by extracts from plants, specifically their ability to inhibit or kill microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of Nerium indicum extracts was measured by determining the zone of inhibition against various bacterial strains, crucial for assessing its therapeutic potential.
3) Water:
Water is a solvent commonly used in the extraction of plant materials. In the study, aqueous extracts of Nerium indicum were prepared to evaluate their antimicrobial properties. Despite its importance as a universal solvent, the aqueous extract showed limited antimicrobial activity compared to the alcoholic extract.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial agent specifically used to treat bacterial infections. The study compares the antimicrobial effects of Nerium indicum extracts with those of chloramphenicol, a standard antibiotic, to evaluate its potential as a natural alternative for treating infections in the face of rising resistance.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science serves as the foundation for understanding biological organisms and their interactions with substances. This investigation exemplifies scientific inquiry by exploring the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts, contributing to the body of knowledge concerning natural remedies and informing future research in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
6) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that can also be used in culture media for growing certain bacteria. In the study, blood media were prepared to cultivate microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, providing an environment conducive for testing the effects of Nerium indicum extracts on pathogenic bacteria.
7) Drug:
A drug refers to any substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. The exploration of Nerium indicum extracts highlights its potential as a natural drug candidate, which may offer alternatives to conventional antibiotics amidst growing concerns about drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
8) Discussion:
The discussion section of a research study interprets the findings, comparing results with existing literature and providing insights into the implications. In this study, the efficacy of Nerium indicum extracts against specific bacteria was critically analyzed, contextualizing the findings within the broader landscape of antimicrobial research.
9) Substance:
A substance is a form of matter with specific chemical properties. In this research, the extracts from Nerium indicum are evaluated as substances with potential antimicrobial efficacy. Understanding the interactions between these substances and microbial organisms is essential for developing effective treatments for bacterial infections.