ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum
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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S Satya, K. Reeta Vijayarani, R. Srividhya, N. Gangatharan, M. Francis Xavier, S. Arunprasad, A. Puratchi Kody
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum
Year: 2003
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Memecylon umbellatum, commonly known as 'Kasa', is a plant with notable medicinal properties, used for various ailments throughout the western peninsular region. Its leaves are utilized as astringents and in lotions for eye defects, while the fruits are edible and astringent. The plant also possesses a variety of chemical constituents, including glycosides, acids, and resins, which contribute to its therapeutic applications. Given its recognized medicinal importance, a study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the leaves of Memecylon umbellatum through morphological, anatomical, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses.
Antimicrobial Efficacy
The study revealed significant antimicrobial activity in the alcoholic extract of Memecylon umbellatum, particularly against gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, the extract exhibited lesser efficacy against gram-negative bacteria and only minimal antifungal activity. The researchers utilized the disc diffusion method to test the extracts, comparing their effectiveness against standardized antibiotics, specifically Ciprofloxacin for bacteria and Amphotericin for fungi. The results indicated that while the alcoholic extract was more potent against gram-positive organisms, the aqueous extract had moderate activity on gram-positive strains and reduced effectiveness on gram-negative bacteria, highlighting the variability in antimicrobial potency based on extraction methods.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the leaves of Memecylon umbellatum possess considerable antimicrobial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria, thereby affirming their medicinal potential. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the antimicrobial properties of this plant but also serves as a foundation for future quality control preparations in herbal medicine. The data presented establishes a baseline for further research into the therapeutic uses of Memecylon umbellatum, emphasizing the necessity for additional studies to explore its full medicinal capabilities.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Memecylon umbellatum?
The study investigates the antimicrobial activity of Memecylon umbellatum leaves, particularly the alcoholic extract's efficacy against various bacteria and fungi, determining its potential health benefits.
What microorganisms were tested in the antimicrobial screening?
The study tested several microorganisms, including gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli, and fungi including Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.
What were the results of the antimicrobial activity testing?
The alcoholic extract showed maximum antibacterial activity against gram-positive organisms, while the aqueous extract had moderate activity. The alcoholic extract demonstrated slight antifungal activity, indicating its primary effectiveness against bacterial strains.
What methods were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity?
The disc diffusion method was employed for in vitro antimicrobial evaluation. It involved cultivating microorganisms and measuring the inhibitory zones created by extracts on culture media, using standardized antibiotic discs for comparison.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎NTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum鈥�. 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 effectiveness of the Memecylon umbellatum extracts against various microorganisms. In this context, antimicrobial activity indicates the potential of the plant's extracts to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, providing insights into their therapeutic applications.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial pertains to agents that specifically target and kill bacteria. The research highlights the antibacterial activity of Memecylon umbellatum against several bacterial strains, indicating its potential use as a natural treatment option for bacterial infections and emphasizing its medicinal significance.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the chemical compounds produced by plants. The study's focus on phytochemical screening underlines the importance of identifying bioactive compounds in Memecylon umbellatum leaves, which contribute to its medicinal properties and may serve as a basis for drug development.
4) Discussion:
Discussion encapsulates the interpretation and analysis of results obtained from the study. It emphasizes the significance of the antimicrobial findings, providing a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of Memecylon umbellatum extracts against various microorganisms and suggesting future research directions.
5) Substance:
Substance refers to the chemical entities, such as the various compounds found in Memecylon umbellatum leaves. Identifying and understanding these substances is crucial in assessing their potential therapeutic effects and understanding the mechanisms behind their antimicrobial properties.
6) Quality:
Quality denotes the standard or grade of the extracts derived from Memecylon umbellatum. Assessing the quality of the antimicrobial activity provides essential data for ensuring the efficacy and safety of plant-based preparations for medicinal use and quality control measures.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of the natural world, which includes the comprehensive investigation of Memecylon umbellatum's antimicrobial properties. The study's adherence to scientific principles validates its findings and supports the development of evidence-based herbal medicines for combating infections.
8) Kasa (Kasha, K膩s膩, Kas膩, K膩艣a, K膩sa, Ka艣a, Ka峁, Ka峁Ｄ�, K膩峁):
Kasa is the common name for Memecylon umbellatum, indicating its cultural significance and regional use. Recognizing its nomenclature facilitates communication about the species in ethnobotanical contexts, highlighting local knowledge and the relevance of traditional medicinal practices.
9) Soil:
Soil refers to the fine powdered leaves used in gardening, demonstrating the versatility of Memecylon umbellatum. This highlights its ecological role and the potential for sustainable practices in utilizing plant waste, promoting both environmental conservation and local agricultural practices.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAVES OF Memecylon umbellatum鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Memecylon umbellatum, Edible fruit, Medicinal importance, Phytochemical screening, Antimicrobial activity, Disc diffusion method, Zone of inhibition, Aqueous extract, Alcoholic extract, Gram positive, Gram negative, Fungal activity, Standard disc.