Antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus niruri on human pathogens
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of phyllanthus niruri against different human pathogenic bacterial strains
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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Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anju Pal and Krishan Pal
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of phyllanthus niruri against different human pathogenic bacterial strains
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increased popularity of herbal medicine, primarily due to the side effects and growing resistance of pathogens to synthetic drugs, has led researchers to explore natural alternatives. One such potential medicinal plant is Phyllanthus niruri (Linn), which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Despite its various recognized medicinal benefits, including anti-bacterial properties, limited research has focused on its antimicrobial effectiveness against specific human pathogenic strains. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of P. niruri against six critical human pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Salmonella typhae.
Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts
Research findings from the study indicate that both ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus niruri demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Among the tested pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the most susceptibility with a maximum zone of inhibition recorded at 18 mm for the methanolic extract, and 17 mm for the ethanolic extract at a concentration of 400 mg/ml. In contrast, E. coli showed the smallest zones of inhibition for both extracts, revealing an inclination of the extracts to be more effective against certain bacteria. The methanolic extract consistently outperformed the ethanolic extract, particularly at higher concentrations.
Role of Solvent in Extract Efficacy
The superior antimicrobial effectiveness observed in the methanol extracts compared to ethanol can be attributed to the solubility of active compounds in these solvents. The presence of phytochemicals such as lignans, flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and tannins in the plant extracts further enhances their efficacy. Methanol extracts have shown a higher capacity to dissolve essential antibacterial compounds, resulting in more significant zones of inhibition against the tested pathogens. This observation supports past research suggesting that higher concentrations of antimicrobial extracts typically produce more significant growth inhibition of microbial pathogens.
Concentration-Dependent Activity
The study confirms that the antimicrobial potency of P. niruri extracts increases with higher concentrations. This observation aligns with previous studies, indicating that elevated concentrations of antibacterial compounds correlate with enhanced inhibition of microbial growth. As the concentration of the extracts used in the experiments increased, the diameter of the inhibition zones expanded, revealing a clear relationship between extract concentration and antimicrobial effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the leaf extracts of Phyllanthus niruri demonstrate considerable antimicrobial activity, particularly when extracted using methanol. The findings underscore the potential of using P. niruri as an effective herbal therapeutic agent against various pathogenic bacterial strains. Further exploration and understanding of the active compounds and mechanisms in P. niruri could lead to developing alternative treatments that leverage its natural antimicrobial properties. The study signals a step forward in recognizing the importance of utilizing herbal medicines in combating antibiotic resistance and ensuring effective healthcare solutions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study involving Phyllanthus niruri?
The study investigates the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus niruri against six major human pathogenic bacterial strains.
What are the major pathogenic bacteria tested in this study?
The major bacterial strains tested include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Salmonella typhae.
What was the extraction method used for Phyllanthus niruri?
Leaves of Phyllanthus niruri were shade-dried and extracted with 90% ethanol and methanol, followed by evaporation to concentrate the extracts.
Which extract showed better antimicrobial activity, methanolic or ethanolic?
The methanolic extract exhibited greater antimicrobial activity than the ethanolic extract, showing broader zones of inhibition against the tested bacteria.
What compounds are believed to contribute to the antimicrobial activity?
Antimicrobial activity may be attributed to the presence of lignans, flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, tannins, and other active compounds in the extracts.
What is the conclusion drawn from the study on Phyllanthus niruri?
The study concludes that Phyllanthus niruri leaf extracts possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and may serve as a therapeutic agent.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus niruri on human pathogens”. 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 in this context refers to the antimicrobial effectiveness of the extracts from the plant Phyllanthus niruri against various human pathogenic bacteria. The study measures this activity through the diameter of the zone of inhibition observed in antimicrobial tests, which indicates how well the extracts prevent bacterial growth.
2) India:
India is the geographical context where the research on Phyllanthus niruri was conducted. The plant is native to several regions, including India, where traditional herbal medicine practices are widespread. The country's rich biodiversity and cultural acceptance of alternative medicine make it a significant focus for such studies.
3) Aureus:
Aureus, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, is one of the bacterial strains tested for susceptibility to the extracts of Phyllanthus niruri. This bacterium is commonly known for causing various infections in humans and its inclusion in the study highlights the potential of the plant as a natural antimicrobial agent.
4) Table:
Table refers to the formatted data representations in the study that summarize the results of the antimicrobial tests. Tables are a primary way of presenting scientific data clearly, allowing easy comparison of how different concentrations of the extracts affected various bacterial strains in the experiments.
5) Disease:
Disease signifies the medical conditions targeted by the antimicrobial properties of Phyllanthus niruri. The study suggests the plant's application for various diseases, emphasizing its significance in developing alternative treatments, especially for infections caused by resistant bacterial strains that synthetic drugs may not effectively address.
6) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shri is an honorific title used in India, often denoting respect. In the context of the study, it is part of the name of Shri Venkateshwara University where the research was conducted, reflecting the institution's authority in contributing to scientific knowledge, particularly in microbiology and herbal studies.
7) Drug:
Drug refers to substances used for medical treatment, specifically synthetic drugs. The study contrasts the antimicrobial properties of herbal extracts with conventional pharmaceuticals, advocating for the exploration of natural alternatives due to rising concerns of side effects and antibiotic resistance associated with long-term drug use.
8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Anti-bacterial describes substances that inhibit bacterial growth. This term is crucial in the research as it directly classifies the extracts from Phyllanthus niruri, confirming their effectiveness in combating bacterial infections, which addresses a significant need in medical treatments for resistant bacteria prevalent in current health challenges.
9) Agriculture:
Agriculture is relevant as the study site, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, focuses on agricultural sciences. Understanding plant properties, such as those of Phyllanthus niruri, links agriculture with medicinal uses, encouraging the sustainable use of plants for health benefits in rural and traditional practices.
10) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field of health care and the science of preventing and treating diseases. In the article, it underlines the relevance of herbal remedies, such as those derived from Phyllanthus niruri, in modern medical practices, thus endorsing herbal medicine as a vital component of holistic health care.
11) Account:
Account in this context refers to the documentation or report of findings from the study. It signifies the author's duty to present results accurately, allowing the broader scientific community to understand the research's implications, contribution to existing knowledge, and possible applications for medicinal use.
12) Family:
Family denotes the classification of Phyllanthus niruri within the Euphorbiaceae family, indicating phylogenetic relationships among plants. This classification is important for scientists as it helps in identifying the potential shared characteristics and chemistry of plants within the same family that may offer medicinal benefits.
13) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation conducted to explore the antimicrobial properties of Phyllanthus niruri. It emphasizes the methodological approach taken by the researchers to gather data, analyze results, and contribute new insights into the field of herbal medicine and its possible applications against pathogens.
14) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the research where results are interpreted and implications are drawn. It serves as a critical analysis of the findings, comparing them with existing literature, exploring the significance of the results, and potentially suggesting directions for future research in antimicrobial studies.
15) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a type of compound found in plants that has various biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The study mentions flavonoids in the context of Phyllanthus niruri, highlighting the potential active constituents responsible for its antibacterial effects against the tested pathogens.
16) Kolhapur:
Kolhapur is mentioned in the acknowledgment section and refers to the location of Shivaji University, which contributed insights to the research. This indicates regional academic collaboration and emphasizes the role of institutions in advancing scientific understanding and validation of traditional knowledge through research.
17) Species:
Species refers to the specific taxonomic category for Phyllanthus niruri within the larger genus of plants. Identifying species is essential for the study as it narrows down the focus on particular plants, allowing researchers to investigate the unique properties and potential applications of those specific organisms in medicine.
18) Forest:
Forest refers to the natural habitat of many plants, including those used in traditional medicine like Phyllanthus niruri. This term contextualizes the ecological background from which the plant emerges, suggesting an interaction between biodiversity and the development of medicinal resources derived from naturally occurring flora.
19) Campu:
Campu likely refers to 'campus', specifically the location where the research was conducted at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. The physical setting of the research is crucial as it provides context for the study, emphasizing the integration of academia and practical evaluations of local plant species.
20) Kumar:
Kumar likely refers to a researcher or cited author connected to the exploration of Phyllanthus niruri’s properties. Citing Kumar’s work establishes credibility and situates the current research within existing academic discourse, linking it to prior studies that examine the plant’s medicinal potentials.
21) Water:
Water is a universal solvent used in the extraction process of the plant's active ingredients. In this study, distilled water is mentioned as part of preparing the extract solutions, indicating the importance of solvent choice in effectively obtaining phytochemicals that contribute to antimicrobial activity.
22) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to one of the diseases that Phyllanthus niruri is known to affect. Mentioning ulcers in this study outlines the therapeutic potential of the plant, suggesting its utility in traditional medicine as treatment for specific health conditions linked to bacterial infections and digestive disorders.
23) Cina:
China is included as part of the geographical context highlighting the widespread distribution of Phyllanthus niruri. The mention of China signifies the plant's relevance in traditional medicine systems beyond India, suggesting its importance in various cultures and reinforcing the study's implications on global herbal practices.
24) Genu:
Genu appears to be a typographical error, intended to be 'genus', which classifies Phyllanthus as a category of closely related species. The genus serves as a critical biological classification that helps researchers identify the characteristics shared among related plants, aiding in the study of their medicinal properties.
25) Tree:
Tree refers to a specific type of plant structure that is distinct from shrubs or herbs. In the context of the study, mentioning trees could relate to the broader ecological roles that plants like Phyllanthus may play in an ecosystem or their growth characteristics as part of diverse vegetation.