Antimicrobial activity of rhizomes of turmeric varieties from telangana state
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of rhizomes of turmeric varieties from telangana state
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
In many parts of the world, medicinal plants play a significant role in traditional medicine, serving as sources of potent drugs. This is particularly relevant in developing countries where traditional medicine is often the primary healthcare system. India boasts a rich diversity of medicinal plants, including turmeric (Curcuma longa), which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric is widely recognized for its use as a spice and its various medicinal properties, contributing to its status as a leading global producer and exporter. Recent studies highlight turmeric's antimicrobial properties, indicating its potential in combating various bacterial and fungal infections.
Antimicrobial Properties of Turmeric Varieties
The study compared the antimicrobial effects of four turmeric varieties: Prathiba, Erra Gunturu, Tella Gunturu, and Mana Pasupu, against various microorganisms. Prathiba and Erra Gunturu exhibited the most significant inhibitory effects on the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, Prathiba variety demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, ranking it as superior among the varieties tested. The use of the agar well diffusion method for microbial susceptibility assays provided clear evidence of these antimicrobial effects.
Extraction and Evaluation Methodology
Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the dried and powdered rhizomes of the turmeric varieties, followed by testing against bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, along with fungal species like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Fusarium oxysporum. The extracts were evaluated using standard methodologies, including the agar disc diffusion method, to determine the zones of inhibition for each microbe at various concentrations. The findings illustrated significant variability in antimicrobial efficacy based on turmeric variety and tested microorganism.
Phytochemical Components and Their Impact
The antimicrobial activity of turmeric varieties can be attributed to the presence of specific phytochemicals, particularly in the high-yielding Prathiba variety. Previous research correlating the abundance of bioactive compounds in this variety to its enhanced resistance against pathogens was reinforced in this study. The presence of these compounds is essential in the curative effects against disease-causing organisms, emphasizing their role in traditional medicinal practices.
In conclusion, the research confirms that turmeric, an integral part of daily diets, possesses considerable antimicrobial activity, particularly in the Prathiba variety. Given the results, turmeric extracts may provide significant protection against bacterial pathogens, underscoring the potential use of turmeric as a natural antimicrobial agent within traditional and modern medicine. The study advocates for further exploration of turmeric and its active compounds in developing new therapeutic agents against infections, especially those resistant to conventional antibiotics.
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.
N Prashanth and N Lakshmi Bhavani
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of rhizomes of turmeric varieties from telangana state
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main objective of the turmeric study conducted?
The study aimed to compare the antimicrobial activity of four turmeric varieties from Andhra Pradesh, specifically evaluating their antibacterial and antifungal effects against different strains of microorganisms.
Which turmeric variety showed the highest antimicrobial activity?
The Prathiba variety exhibited the most significant antimicrobial potential against all tested bacterial and fungal strains compared to ErraGunturu, TellaGunturu, and ManaPasupu varieties.
What method was used to test antimicrobial activity in the study?
The agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from turmeric rhizomes by measuring the zones of inhibition against various microorganisms.
What types of bacteria and fungi were tested in the research?
The study tested three bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, alongside four fungal strains: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Fusarium oxysporum.
What was the extraction procedure for turmeric rhizomes in the study?
Turmeric rhizomes were washed, dried, powdered, and mixed with 95% ethanol in a rotary shaker for 24 hours to obtain the ethanolic extracts used for antimicrobial testing.
What are the implications of the study's findings?
The findings suggest that turmeric, particularly the Prathiba variety, can serve as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents against various pathogenic bacteria and fungi, supporting its use in traditional medicine.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial activity of rhizomes of turmeric varieties from telangana state”. 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 term 'Activity' refers to the functional or physiological effects that substances can exert, particularly in biological contexts. In this study, activity highlights the antimicrobial properties of turmeric rhizome extracts against various bacteria and fungi, showcasing significant inhibition of microbial growth, thus emphasizing the potential of natural products as medicinal agents.
2) Turmeric:
Turmeric, a spice derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is renowned for its culinary and medicinal benefits. It possesses numerous bioactive compounds, contributing to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This research emphasizes its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent against specific pathogens, highlighting its relevance in healthcare and traditional medicine.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial refers specifically to substances that inhibit bacterial growth. This term is crucial in this context, as the study explicitly evaluates the anti-bacterial properties of turmeric extracts. Demonstrating such efficacy contributes to the broader understanding of traditional remedies and their relevance amidst growing concerns over antibiotic resistance.
4) India:
India, recognized as a hub for biodiversity, especially in medicinal plants, plays a crucial role in the study of herbal remedies. The country's rich variety of turmeric reflects its historical significance in traditional medicine. This study is particularly relevant in the Indian context, where turmeric is widely consumed and valued for its health benefits.
5) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' signifies the systematic investigation undertaken to understand the antimicrobial properties of different turmeric varieties. It reflects a scientific approach involving the extraction of compounds and evaluation against bacteria and fungi, providing insights into potential applications in medicine and the significance of traditional plants in contemporary healthcare.
6) Species:
The word 'Species' refers to distinct groups of organisms capable of interbreeding. In this context, it denotes the specific bacterial and fungal species tested against turmeric extracts. Identifying different species is essential for assessing the efficacy of antimicrobial agents, revealing species-specific susceptibility and guiding future research on plant-based therapies.
7) Pasupu:
Pasupu is one of the four turmeric varieties studied in this research. Understanding its antimicrobial properties contributes to identifying the effectiveness of various turmeric strains. This variety, along with others, was compared through controlled experiments, demonstrating the significance of plant variability in yielding compounds with potential health benefits.
8) Table:
In this research, 'Table' refers to the data presented in a structured format summarizing the antimicrobial activity results. Tables are crucial in scientific reports for visual clarity, providing a straightforward comparison of inhibition zones among turmeric varieties. They condense complex information, facilitating easier understanding of the findings for readers.
9) Erra:
Erra, one of the turmeric varieties investigated, means 'red' in local language, indicative of the rhizome color or perhaps properties associated with it. Its inclusion in the study helps identify which variety exhibits enhanced antimicrobial activity, promoting awareness of traditional varieties and their contributions to health and agriculture.
10) Mana (Māṇa, Māna, Maṉa, Maṉā, Māṉa, Māṉā):
Mana denotes one of the turmeric varieties under evaluation. Exploring its antimicrobial properties contributes to understanding the spectrum of bioactive compounds present in various turmeric types. The study's findings regarding Mana's effectiveness can broaden the knowledge base on local medicinal resources and support sustainable agricultural practices.
11) Disease:
The term 'Disease' is significant as it encompasses various health issues that antimicrobial agents aim to combat. In this research, microbial diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are critical focus points, underscoring the importance of discovering natural remedies, such as turmeric extracts, that can assist in managing these health problems effectively.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science involves systematic knowledge acquired through observation, experimentation, and analysis. This research embodies scientific principles by rigorously testing turmeric extracts for antimicrobial activity. It highlights the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry, promoting a better understanding of medicinal plants and their potential applications in healthcare.
13) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium known for its pathogenicity. It is significant in this study as one of the test organisms, representing a common cause of infections. The research highlights the effectiveness of turmeric extracts against such pathogens, thereby accentuating their potential utility in pharmacotherapy.
14) Medium:
Medium pertains to the environment (nutrient agar in this case) in which bacterial and fungal cultures are grown. Understanding the selection of an appropriate medium is crucial for accurately assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of turmeric extracts, ensuring reliable results that could inform practical applications in treating infections.
15) Food:
Food represents the broader context of turmeric, which is widely used as a spice in culinary practices. Its inclusion in everyday diets not only enhances flavor but also introduces natural antimicrobial properties potentially beneficial for health, thereby reinforcing the notion of food being a significant domain for medicinal compounds.
16) Drug:
The term 'Drug' signifies a substance used to diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases. The antimicrobial properties of turmeric extracts hint at its potential utility as a natural drug candidate. This reinforces the idea of exploring phytochemicals in plants as viable alternatives or complements to conventional pharmaceuticals.
17) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, the scientific name for turmeric, is vital as it grounds the study in a specific plant taxonomy. This nomenclature is essential for scientific clarity and, in this investigation, underlines the importance of understanding the plant's characteristics, extraction methods, and resulting bioactivity against targeted pathogens.
18) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses practices and substances used for treating illnesses. This study aligns with the context of medicine by evaluating turmeric's antimicrobial properties, potentially validating its traditional use as a health-promoting agent and illustrating the integration of ethnomedicine with modern therapeutic strategies.
19) Lakshmi (Lakṣmī):
Lakshmi refers to one of the researchers involved in the study. The acknowledgment of individual contributions emphasizes collaboration in scientific research, fostering collective efforts to explore natural product research, particularly in the field of medicinal plants, thereby promoting advancements in understanding the efficacy of traditional health remedies.
20) Bhavani (Bhavāni, Bhavānī):
Bhavani is another key author associated with the research, representing the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry. Acknowledging individual researchers highlights the importance of teamwork in exploring the antimicrobial potential of turmeric varieties and encourages ongoing academic and practical engagement in the field of ethnopharmacology.
21) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, structure, and various interactions within ecosystems. This study, situated within the botany discipline, reflects an exploration of medicinal plants, emphasizing the application of botanical knowledge to harness plant-derived compounds for antimicrobial purposes and advancing pharmacognosy.
22) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants that can have health benefits. In this research, the presence of phytochemicals in turmeric varieties correlates with their antimicrobial properties. Understanding these compounds' roles can enhance the development of natural health products and underscore the importance of plant-based therapies in modern medicine.
23) Observation:
Observation refers to the process of carefully monitoring and recording phenomena during research. In this study, systematic observations of microbial growth in response to turmeric extracts are critical for drawing conclusions about their antimicrobial efficacy, showcasing the importance of empirical evidence in supporting or refuting scientific hypotheses.
24) Manimekalai (Maṇimēkalai):
Manimegalai refers to a researcher whose work is cited within the study, providing additional context and credibility. The mention reflects the collaborative nature of scientific research, linking contemporary findings with prior studies and emphasizing the ongoing discourse in the field concerning the antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants.
25) Maheshvari (Mahesvari, Māheśvarī, Maheśvarī):
Maheshvari denotes the Head of the Department who facilitated the study by providing resources. Recognizing figures such as Maheshvari emphasizes the importance of institutional support in scientific research and fosters collaboration between academic entities and researchers focused on exploring agricultural and medicinal potential of local plant species.
26) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical section of scientific writing where researchers interpret their findings in the context of existing literature. In this study, discussing results on turmeric's antimicrobial properties contextualizes them within broader research efforts, addressing implications for future studies and practical applications in health and disease management.
27) Developing:
Developing refers to the ongoing processes of advancement in knowledge, particularly in the context of research on medicinal plants. This study highlights the significance of developing natural remedies within the field to address health concerns, especially regarding antimicrobial resistance, bolstering sustainable practices and traditional health systems.
28) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Srivastava refers to a researcher cited in the study, linking past findings to current research efforts. The intertextuality provided by citing such scholars contributes to a deeper understanding of turmeric's medicinal properties, guiding contemporary inquiries into plant-based therapies and supporting evidence-based medicinal practices.
29) Container:
Container signifies the vessels used to hold turmeric rhizome extracts during the extraction process. The choice of suitable containers is vital for maintaining sample integrity throughout experimentation, highlighting the logistical aspects of scientific research that contribute to ensuring accurate analytical results and reproducibility.
30) Pouring:
Pouring is a procedural term indicating the method by which specific solutions or cultured media are introduced into Petri dishes in microbiological experiments. Proper pouring techniques are essential for creating uniform environments for bacterial and fungal growth, which impacts the reliability of antimicrobial susceptibility testing outcomes.
31) Account:
Account in this context refers to the documentation and presentation of research findings. Ensuring accurate accounts of methodology and results is crucial for validating the study, providing transparency, and allowing for the replication of the experiments by other researchers interested in exploring turmeric's antimicrobial properties.
32) Andhra (Āndhra, Amdhra):
Andhra refers to a region in India from which turmeric varieties were sourced for the study. Understanding the geographical context underscores the importance of local biodiverse resources in developing traditional and modern medical practices. It highlights the potential for regional agricultural products like turmeric to contribute to healthcare innovation.
33) Family:
Family refers to the taxonomic classification of plants, in this case, Zingiberaceae, to which turmeric belongs. This classification is significant for understanding evolutionary relationships, study protocols in botany, and recognizing the familial traits that may contribute to the bioactivity of members within the family, including medicinal properties.
34) Cancer:
Cancer represents a critical health issue that turmeric has been investigated for regarding its potential preventative and therapeutic properties. Turmeric's bioactive compounds have shown promise in cancer research, reinforcing the need to study its applications further as a natural supplement in cancer management and overall health promotion.
35) Nature:
Nature highlights the intrinsic qualities of turmeric and its extracts that provide beneficial health effects. The study supports a broader understanding of natural plant resources, advocating for the exploration of nature's medicinal potential in combating diseases, promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment for health.
36) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a medical condition that turmeric has been historically used to treat. Exploring turmeric's properties related to ulcers emphasizes its traditional medicinal value and its potential role in modern healthcare, illustrating how ancient remedies can contribute to contemporary solutions for prevalent health issues.
37) Trade:
Trade highlights the economic significance of turmeric, particularly in India, as a leading producer and exporter. Understanding trade aspects informs the value of turmeric not only as a culinary spice but as a critical contributor to both local and global economies within the agricultural sector.
38) Dish (Diś):
Dish refers to a medium (i.e., Petri dish) used for culturing microorganisms in laboratory settings. Proper usage of dishes is integral for controlled experiments in microbiology. This aspect of the research underscores the importance of laboratory equipment design in ensuring successful microbial growth and accurate assessment of antimicrobial effects.
39) Wall:
Wall signifies the cellular structures of bacteria that are targeted by antimicrobial agents. Understanding bacterial cell wall composition and the mechanisms of action for substances like turmeric extracts can enhance the knowledge base of antimicrobial strategies that may prevent or treat infections.