Antimicrobial Potential of Five Ayurvedic Herbs Against Candida and MRSA
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Determination of Antimicrobial Potential of Five Herbs used in Ayurveda Practices against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
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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TDCP Gunasekara, NDM Radhika, KK Ragunathan, DPP Gunathilaka, MM Weerasekera, HGSP Hewageegana, L A D M Arawwawala, SSN Fernando
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Determination of Antimicrobial Potential of Five Herbs used in Ayurveda Practices against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Year: 2017
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antimicrobial potential of five herbs commonly used in Ayurveda against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A significant concern in modern healthcare is the increasing resistance of microorganisms to conventional antibiotics, rendering many infections difficult to treat. This research emphasizes the crucial role that medicinal plants play as a source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly in contexts where antibiotic resistance poses challenges to treatment effectiveness.
Antimicrobial Activity of Ayurvedic Herbs
The research highlights the antimicrobial activity of various plant extracts against significant pathogens. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Berberis ceylanica and ethanolic extracts from Rubia cordifolia demonstrated strong inhibition against Candida species. Additionally, extracts of Garcinia zeylanica, along with ethanolic extracts from Jasminum officinale, Rubia cordifolia, and Pongamia pinnata, showed effectiveness against MRSA. These findings underline that certain Ayurvedic herbs are not only of traditional significance but also possess scientifically validated antimicrobial properties that could aid in combating multi-drug resistant infections.
Conclusion
This study concludes that Garcinia zeylanica and Berberis ceylanica exhibit notable antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens, marking the first report of such effects for these plants in Sri Lanka. The findings advocate for further investigation into these plants as potential sources of new antimicrobial agents in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. The results strongly suggest a valuable intersection between traditional medicine and modern pharmacology, emphasizing the importance of exploring indigenous knowledge for contemporary health challenges.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main aim of the study on Ayurvedic herbs?
The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of five herbs used in Ayurvedic practices against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Which herbs were investigated for antimicrobial properties in this research?
The research investigated the antimicrobial activity of the bark of Pongamia pinnata, stem of Rubia cordifolia, leaves of Jasminum officinale, stem of Berberis ceylanica, and fruit of Garcinia zeylanica.
What methods were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts?
Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared and tested for antimicrobial activity using the well diffusion method, followed by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of the extracts against various microbial strains.
What were the significant findings of the herbal antimicrobial study?
The study found that extracts from Berberis ceylanica and Rubia cordifolia showed antimicrobial activity against Candida species, while Garcinia zeylanica, Jasminum officinale, Rubia cordifolia, and Pongamia pinnata inhibited MRSA.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial Potential of Five Ayurvedic Herbs Against Candida and MRSA�. 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 biological effect or action a substance has, particularly in the context of antimicrobial properties in medicinal plants. In this study, various plant extracts demonstrated their antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens, which is crucial for evaluating their potential as alternative treatment options for infections, especially against resistant strains.
2) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of this article, science encompasses microbiology, pharmacognosy, and phytochemistry, which are essential for understanding the properties and effects of medicinal plants utilized in traditional remedies, thus validating their use in modern medicine.
3) Medicine:
Medicine is the field that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness and health conditions. This article explores the medicinal properties of various plants, emphasizing the importance of integrating Ayurvedic practices and traditional knowledge with scientific validation to develop effective treatments for infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.
4) Rubia cordifolia:
Rubia cordifolia, also known as Indian madder, is a medicinal plant studied for its antimicrobial properties against specific pathogens. The investigation of its extracts is crucial for understanding its potential in treating infections, particularly given the increasing resistance of pathogens to existing antibiotics, hence its significance in traditional and modern medicine.
5) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria or kill them outright. This property is invaluable in the search for new antimicrobial agents derived from medicinal plants, particularly against resistant strains like MRSA and specific fungi, contributing further to the development of novel antibacterial treatments.
6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating from India that emphasizes natural remedies and holistic healing. This study focuses on the antimicrobial potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, integrating ancient knowledge with contemporary scientific research to validate traditional practices and discover effective treatment options for various infections.
7) Vipadika:
Vipadika refers to a specific condition in Ayurvedic medicine, commonly associated with skin ailments. Understanding this term is vital in investigating the medicinal properties of plants used in treating skin-related conditions, thereby linking traditional Ayurvedic theories with modern pharmacological research into effective herbal treatments.
8) Taila (Thaila):
Taila translates to oil in Sanskrit and is commonly used in Ayurvedic formulations for therapeutic purposes. In this context, it indicates the preparation of medicinal oils derived from plants, which are believed to possess healing properties, particularly when combined with other herbal ingredients to enhance efficacy in treatment.
9) Glass:
Glass in this context pertains to laboratory equipment essential for conducting experiments. It is used to contain and mix plant extracts, ensuring sterile conditions during microbial testing. This importance underlines the necessity of proper lab techniques in obtaining accurate and reliable results in phytochemical research.
10) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment, particularly in combating diseases. The article discusses the exploration of plant-derived compounds as potential drugs, focusing on their therapeutic properties against resistant pathogens, thus highlighting the significance of natural sources in drug development and pharmacotherapy.
11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that contribute to their color, flavor, and disease resistance. They often possess medicinal properties, making them a focus of research in discovering new antimicrobial agents. Understanding phytochemicals is key in the study of herbal medicine and the efficacy of plant extracts.
12) Daruharidra (Daru-haridra):
¶ÙÄå°ù³Ü³ó²¹°ù¾±»å°ùÄå refers to the scientific name Berberis ceylanica, a plant investigated for its antimicrobial properties. Recognizing this term emphasizes the relevance of specific flora in Ayurveda and the need to explore their medicinal benefits, particularly in combating infections and validating traditional herbal practices.
13) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the understanding acquired through experience or education about medicinal plants and their properties. The integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with scientific research enhances the overall understanding of plant-based treatments, paving the way for new discoveries in herbal medicine and public health.
14) Samhita:
Samhita denotes ancient texts containing compilations of Ayurvedic knowledge. Recognizing Samhita emphasizes the importance of these texts in preserving traditional practices and providing a foundation for scientific research aimed at validating and exploring the therapeutic potential of various medicinal plants mentioned in Ayurvedic literature.
15) Jasmine:
Jasmine refers to the plant species Jasminum officinale, known for its fragrant flowers and potential medicinal properties. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Jasmine's extracts highlights its relevance and versatility in herbal medicine, affirming its traditional use and opening avenues for further research in pharmacology.
16) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla refers to a prominent author or researcher in the field of Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Mentioning individuals like Shukla signifies the collaborative efforts in advancing the understanding of plant-based therapies and the validation of traditional medicine practices through rigorous scientific research.
17) Nidana:
Nidana denotes a term in Ayurveda referring to the diagnosis or the root cause of diseases. Understanding Nidana is vital in the Ayurvedic context as it guides treatment approaches based on identifying the underlying issues, emphasizing the holistic nature of traditional Ayurvedic practices in disease management.
18) Kshudra (Ksudra):
Ksudra is an Ayurvedic term that commonly refers to minor or lesser ailments. Recognizing this term highlights the varying degrees of health conditions considered in Ayurvedic practice, emphasizing the significance of holistic approaches to treat not only major illnesses but also everyday health issues with herbal interventions.
19) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to skin diseases in Ayurveda. This context is crucial as it relates to the investigation of herbal remedies for dermatological conditions, emphasizing the importance of identifying plant-based treatments that target skin-related ailments and demonstrate antimicrobial activity, providing potential solutions within Ayurveda.
20) Uttara:
Uttara refers to a section or aspect often associated with advanced knowledge and practices in Ayurveda. Recognizing this term highlights the comprehensive approach of Ayurvedic medicine, integrating various branches of knowledge in understanding health and disease, thus aiding in the validation and application of traditional practices.
21) Water:
Water plays a critical role as a solvent used in various extraction methods for preparing plant extracts. Its importance in this research illustrates fundamental principles in pharmacognosy where the solubility of active compounds in different solvents influences their efficacy and applicability in antimicrobial studies.
22) Hand:
Hand may refer to a specific context within the study, potentially relating to human health or the manner in which infections are transmitted. Understanding the relevance of hand hygiene and prevention measures emphasizes the broader implications of research findings in tackling infections in daily living environments.
23) Mimusops elengi:
Mimusops elengi, commonly known as bullet wood or bakula, is another medicinal plant referenced for its therapeutic properties. Recognizing this plant signals potential avenues for exploring additional herbal remedies within Ayurvedic practices, shaping the discourse on the diversity of plants with beneficial effects in traditional medicine.
24) Magul-karanda (Magulkaranda):
Magul-karanda refers specifically to Pongamia pinnata, a plant of interest in the study for its antimicrobial properties. Identifying this plant signifies the focus on evaluating its efficacy against various pathogens, emphasizing the exploration of endemic flora in Sri Lanka for potential pharmacological applications.
25) Indian madder:
Indian madder refers to Rubia cordifolia, known for its dye and its historical use in traditional medicine. The study of this plant reflects a blend of cultural significance and medicinal potential, illustrating the importance of such plants in Ayurvedic remedies and their role in combating infectious diseases.
26) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific papers refers to the section where results are interpreted, emphasizing the implications of findings. In the context of this study, this section critically evaluates the significance of the antimicrobial effects observed, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary research to advocate for further investigations.
27) Welmadata:
Welmadata is the Ayurvedic name for Rubia cordifolia, underscoring the cultural significance and traditional use of this plant in herbal remedies. Understanding the various names and applications of such flora enhances recognition of their roles in Ayurveda and the relevance of their pharmacological studies.
28) Blood:
Blood refers to the bodily fluid that circulates in the vascular system, critical for understanding systemic infections caused by pathogens, including Candida species. Recognizing its importance helps contextualize studies regarding the prevalence of bloodborne infections, making the investigation of antimicrobial agents particularly relevant in clinical settings.
29) Post:
Post refers to a publication or finding shared in the academic realm. In the broader context, it signifies the importance of disseminating research to the medical community, aiding in advancing knowledge, informing treatment guidelines, and fostering collaborative efforts in exploring novel antimicrobial agents from traditional sources.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antimicrobial Potential of Five Ayurvedic Herbs Against Candida and MRSA�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Phytochemical, Therapeutic properties, Indian systems of medicine, Traditional treatment, Zone of inhibition, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Wound healing properties, Candida albicans, Antimicrobial Resistance, Ayurvedic practice, Ethics approval, Antimicrobial potential, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Plant Extract, Clinical isolate, Multidrug resistant microbes, Aqueous and ethanolic extract, Invasive infection.