A note on antimycotic activity of milk
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A note on antimycotic activity of milk
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Sudhir K Jain
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A note on antimycotic activity of milk
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antimycotic activity of fresh milk from various sources against five otomycomic pathogens: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Absidia corymbifera, Penicillium nigricans, and Candida albicans. The research aims to assess whether milk from different origins possesses any sporostatic effects, which inhibit spore germination and consequently could serve as a protective or curative agent against otomycotic infections. Historical observations noted the use of milk, particularly goat and lactating women's milk, by rural Indians for ear infections, prompting this investigation into the potential of milk as a natural remedy.
Significant Findings: Efficacy of Cow and Goat Milk
The study found that cow milk exhibited the highest sporostatic activity, demonstrating an 82.31% inhibition rate against Aspergillus niger, followed closely by Candida albicans at 78.95%. Interestingly, goat milk showed an impressive 87.06% inhibition against Absidia corymbifera, indicating that while different milk sources exhibit varying levels of effectiveness, cow milk generally offers substantial protection against most test pathogens. Buffalo and lactating women's milk also presented sporostatic properties, with the latter showing 58.47% inhibition against A. niger and A. flavus. These results suggest that the fatty acid composition in the milk may interfere with spore germination, affecting the growth of the specified fungi.
Conclusion
This investigation confirms that fresh milk possesses notable antimycotic properties, with variations in efficacy among different sources. Cow milk stands out as the most effective against certain pathogens, while goat milk shows significant inhibition against others. Overall, the presence of long-chain fatty acids in milk appears to play a key role in inhibiting the germination of fungal spores. These findings underscore the potential for utilizing milk as a natural treatment for ear infections and a protective measure against otomycotic pathogens, warranting further exploration of its mechanisms and broader applications in microbial control.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the study on milk's antimycotic effects?
The study aimed to investigate the in vitro sporostatic effects of fresh milk from different origins against five otomycoitic pathogens, assessing their ability to inhibit spore germination.
Which type of milk showed the highest sporostatic activity against fungi?
Cow milk exhibited the highest sporostatic activity, showing 82.31% inhibition against Aspergillus niger and 78.95% against Candida albicans, among other fungi tested.
How was the efficacy of milk tested against fungal pathogens?
The efficacy was tested by incubating fresh milk with fungal spores on sterilized slides, counting spore germination after 24 hours to determine the percentage of inhibition.
What factors contribute to the antifungal properties of milk?
The antifungal properties of milk may be attributed to long-chain fatty acids which interfere with enzyme synthesis necessary for fungal spore germination, but further research is needed.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A note on antimycotic activity of milk�. 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) Milk:
Milk serves as a vital biological fluid, rich in nutrients, and the study highlights its potential antimycotic properties. It was the primary focus for examining its efficacy against otomycotic pathogens, suggesting its importance in traditional and possibly therapeutic applications in rural Indian practices for infection management.
2) Activity:
Activity refers to the observable effects milk has on fungal pathogens, specifically its sporostatic effect. The varying degrees of inhibition across different types of milk point to the bioactive compounds present, illustrating the functional role of milk in microbiological inhibition and its relevance in therapeutic settings.
3) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk was identified as highly effective in inhibiting spore germination in specific fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Its significant sporostatic activity suggests cow milk's potential utility in agriculture and medicine, reinforcing traditional knowledge regarding its protective health benefits.
4) Buffalo (Buffaloes):
Buffalo milk was examined for its antimycotic properties, revealing moderate efficacy in inhibiting spore germination of various fungi. Its inclusion in the study allows for a comparative analysis with other milks, emphasizing the diversity in biological activity among different dairy sources and their potential applications.
5) Goat milk:
Goat milk's efficacy against otomycotic pathogens underscores its traditional and cultural significance. The research findings support the notion that goat milk can be harnessed for its medicinal properties, particularly in rural communities, enhancing knowledge around natural remedies and their scientific basis.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of substances, in this case, milk, and its effects on fungal pathogens. The research employs experimental methods to provide empirical evidence of milk's biological activity, contributing to the understanding of antimycotic properties and its implications for health.
7) Discussion:
The discussion elaborates on the research findings, analyzing the varying effects of different milk types on fungal pathogens. It provides critical insights into the implications of the results, encouraging further exploration of milk's bioactive components and their mechanisms of action in antifungal activity.
8) Water:
Water serves as a control medium in the experiment, illustrating the context for comparing the efficacy of fresh milk against fungal spores. Its role highlights the fundamental importance of hydration in microbial studies and establishes a baseline for assessing the biological activity of different milk types.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �A note on antimycotic activity of milk�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Cow milk, Buffalo milk, Goat milk, Fresh milk, Research fellowship, Pathogenic bacteria, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Inhibition Percentage, Spore germination, Lactating women.