Antimicrobial potential of Boerhavia diffusa root extract.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: In vitro antimicrobial potential of boerhavia diffusa l. root extract on pathogenic organisms
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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Sandeep Kamlekar, Karunakar Kota, Jameela Tahashildar, VN Raju Erumalla,Swetha Chenna
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: In vitro antimicrobial potential of boerhavia diffusa l. root extract on pathogenic organisms
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens has prompted the search for new antimicrobial agents from plant sources, like Boerhavia diffusa L. This plant has a historical use in folk and traditional medicine, noted for containing various secondary metabolites with potential pharmacological properties. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic antibiotics, the continuous emergence of resistant strains highlights the need for alternative antimicrobial compounds. Boerhavia diffusa has been investigated for its wide spectrum of medicinal properties, suggesting its relevance in addressing current health challenges.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Boerhavia diffusa L.
The present research evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa L. roots against various human pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as a fungal species. The study employed the agar well diffusion method, revealing substantial zones of inhibition ranging from 4.26 mm to 16.61 mm against all tested strains. The extract demonstrated comparable, and in some cases superior, effectiveness to standard antibiotics, which emphasizes its potential utility in treating infections caused by resistant microorganisms.
Significance of Phytochemicals in Medicine
Phytochemicals derived from plants are gaining attention due to their therapeutic applications and the potential to develop less toxic antimicrobial agents. The extract of Boerhavia diffusa displayed inhibitory effects on harmful pathogens, supporting the idea that natural products can serve as a source for new medicinal compounds. The investigation into various herbal extracts has shown promising results for developing alternative treatment options across a wide range of health issues.
Boerhavia diffusa in Traditional Medicine
Traditionally known for its medicinal applications in Ayurveda, Boerhavia diffusa is recognized for treating various ailments, reflecting its historical significance in holistic health practices. Its mention in ancient texts like the Atharvaveda underscores its cultural and healing importance. The plant’s wide distribution in tropical regions further enhances its potential as a source of therapeutic compounds, aligning with current trends that favor natural over synthetic solutions in healthcare.
In conclusion, the findings from the study indicate that Boerhavia diffusa L. exhibits considerable antibacterial and antifungal properties, positioning it as a viable candidate for addressing infectious diseases. Future research should focus on isolating the active components responsible for these effects and evaluating their efficacy against a broader range of pathogens, reinforcing the plant's potential in modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study involving Boerhavia diffusa L.?
The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa L. roots against various human pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, due to the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens.
What method was used to test antimicrobial activity in the research?
The researchers employed the agar well diffusion method to determine the antimicrobial activity of Boerhavia diffusa L. root extract against various pathogenic microorganisms, measuring the zones of inhibition created.
What were the main findings regarding the antimicrobial activity?
The methanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa L. effectively inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms, producing significant inhibition zones, particularly against Aspergillus niger, suggesting its potential for treating infections.
How does Boerhavia diffusa L. compare to standard antibiotics?
The extract exhibited inhibition zones comparable to, or in some cases larger than, those produced by the standard antibiotics chloramphenicol and miconazole nitrate, demonstrating its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
What types of microorganisms were tested in the study?
The study tested various pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi such as Aspergillus niger, thus encompassing a range of human pathogens.
What do the authors suggest for future research on Boerhavia diffusa L.?
The authors recommend further phytochemical and pharmacological studies to isolate bioactive compounds and investigate their antimicrobial activities against a broader spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial potential of Boerhavia diffusa root extract.”. 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 effect that a substance, such as a plant extract, has on microorganisms or biological systems. In this context, it specifically pertains to the antimicrobial activity of Boerhavia diffusa L. roots, indicating their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
2) Medicine:
Medicine is the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The study emphasizes the potential use of Boerhavia diffusa L. in developing new medicinal products to treat infections, highlighting the importance of natural sources in the pharmaceutical industry for effective health solutions.
3) Drug:
A drug is any substance that causes a physiological change in the body, often used for treatment or prevention of diseases. The research points to Boerhavia diffusa L. as a potential source for new drugs, emphasizing the need for exploring plant-derived compounds as alternatives to synthetic medications.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial describes substances that specifically target bacteria, inhibiting their growth or killing them. The study showcases the antibacterial properties of Boerhavia diffusa L. roots against various pathogens, indicating its potential as a natural antibacterial agent amidst growing concerns about resistance to conventional antibiotics.
5) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and mechanisms of action of drugs. The research highlights the pharmacological potential of Boerhavia diffusa L., pointing to the need for further studies to explore its bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications in modern pharmacy.
6) Water:
Water is a universal solvent and a crucial component in biological processes. In the context of the study, water is used for washing plant materials and for preparing various media required for culturing microorganisms, highlighting its essential role in laboratory procedures and experiments.
7) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that exhibit biological activity. The research indicates that Boerhavia diffusa L. contains various phytochemicals responsible for its antimicrobial activity, emphasizing the importance of studying plant metabolites for therapeutic applications and new drug discovery.
8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. The research emphasizes pharmacological studies of Boerhavia diffusa L. roots to isolate bioactive compounds, aiming to understand their mechanisms and improve treatments for infectious diseases leveraging natural plant products.
9) Raktapunarnava (Rakta-punarnava, Raktapunarnavā):
Raktapunarnava is a traditional name for Boerhavia diffusa L. in Ayurveda, signifying its historical usage in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. Understanding such traditional names is crucial as they reflect the plant's established significance in cultural and medicinal practices over centuries.
10) Raktapushpa (Rakta-pushpa, Raktapuṣpa):
Raktapushpa is another traditional designation for Boerhavia diffusa L., which underscores its applications in folk medicine. Knowledge of these local names can enhance the cultural appreciation and acceptance of the plant in contemporary herbal therapies and promote its use in modern pharmacology.
11) Kathillaka (Kaṭhillaka):
Kathillaka, a name associated with Boerhavia diffusa L., reflects its various uses in traditional medicine systems. Recognizing different regional names aids in understanding the plant's diverse applications and encourages further exploration into its pharmacological properties as used in traditional healing practices.
12) Varshaketu (Varṣaketu, Varsha-ketu):
Varshaketu is yet another name for Boerhavia diffusa L., symbolizing its relevance in various traditional medicinal systems. Such terminologies enrich our understanding of the plant's cultural significance and the beliefs surrounding its healing properties, advocating for its consideration in modern therapeutic contexts.
13) Discussion:
Discussion in a scientific context refers to a section where authors interpret results, summarize findings, and relate their implications to existing knowledge. In the study, the discussion highlights the importance of Boerhavia diffusa L. in antimicrobial research, analyzing the significance of the results obtained from the experiments.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science is the pursuit of knowledge through systematic study and experimentation. The investigation of Boerhavia diffusa L. for antimicrobial properties exemplifies the scientific method, aiming to validate the traditional medicinal claims through empirical research and contribute to the field of natural product pharmacology.
15) Varshabhu (Varṣābhū, Varsha-bhu):
Varshabhu is another traditional name for Boerhavia diffusa L. This nomenclature highlights the plant's cultural and medicinal significance, enriching the traditional knowledge associated with its use and drawing attention to its potential in modern phytochemistry and pharmacology.
16) Punarnava (Punarnavā, Punarṇava, Punar-nava):
Punarnava is a Sanskrit term associated with Boerhavia diffusa L., meaning 'the rejuvenator' that reflects its capacity for regeneration. Understanding such traditional references not only emphasizes cultural knowledge but also points to potential therapeutic benefits attributed to the plant in contemporary medicine.
17) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals that have been associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The study suggests that Boerhavia diffusa L. may contain flavonoids, highlighting their role in promoting health and developing natural antimicrobial treatments.
18) Kshudra (Kṣudrā):
Kshudra is another name for Boerhavia diffusa L. that indicates its attribution in traditional medicine. Understanding such names can guide researchers towards exploring historical usage and efficacy, allowing for a richer approach in investigating the plant's pharmacological properties.
19) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, focusing on their structures, functions, and ecological significance. Knowledge of botany is pivotal in this research, as identifying Boerhavia diffusa L. and understanding its botanical characteristics inform its therapeutic applications and aid in sustainable harvesting practices.
20) Glass:
Glass refers to laboratory glassware used to conduct chemical and biological experiments. In the context of the study, glass is associated with the preparation and storage of plant extracts, highlighting its essential role in maintaining sterile conditions and ensuring accurate measurements during experimental procedures.