Antimicrobial activity of chemoconstituents of roots of salacia macrosperma
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antimicrobial activity of chemoconstituents of roots of salacia macrosperma
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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V. Venkatesarulu, C.K. Kokate, D. Rambhau, C Veeresham
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial activity of chemoconstituents of roots of salacia macrosperma
Year: 1992
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by V. Venkatesarlu and colleagues investigates the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of Salacia macrosperma roots, a member of the Hippocrataceae family. The research is based on the observation that various parts of the plant have previously exhibited pharmacological properties, including hypoglycemic effects. This paper aims to evaluate the antimicrobial spectrum of both non-polar and polar fractions derived from the ethanolic extract and to report on their dose-dependent activities against multiple microbial strains.
Significant Antimicrobial Action of Chloroform and Benzene Fractions
The research findings indicate that the chloroform and benzene fractions of the ethanolic extract displayed remarkable antimicrobial activity. These fractions were tested against eight gram-positive bacteria, five gram-negative bacteria, and ten fungal strains. Results showed that the chloroform fraction had the most significant effect, often comparable to standard antibiotics such as benzyl penicillin and streptomycin sulfate. The study also highlighted that the antifungal properties of these fractions were particularly effective against Aspergillus niger, with a greater impact observed as the concentration of the fractions increased. However, it was noted that the relationship between concentration and zone of inhibition was not linear, suggesting complexities in the diffusion of active compounds.
Conclusion
In summary, the investigation establishes that the roots of Salacia macrosperma possess potent antimicrobial properties, especially in their chloroform and benzene fractions. These findings contribute to the understanding of the plant's potential medicinal applications, particularly in treating microbial infections. The authors acknowledge support from CSIR, New Delhi, indicating the collaborative effort during the research. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific active compounds responsible for these antimicrobial effects and to explore their applications in clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the source of the antimicrobial activity studied?
The antimicrobial activity was studied using the ethanolic extract of roots of Salacia macrosperma, which exhibited significant in vitro antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms.
How were the extracts prepared for the antimicrobial testing?
The powdered roots were extracted using 95% ethanol through double maceration, then fractionated with solvents like benzene and chloroform for antimicrobial testing.
Which fractions showed the highest antimicrobial activity in the study?
The chloroform and benzene fractions exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, showing significant effects against both bacterial and fungal strains tested.
What were the standard antibiotics used for comparison in the experiments?
The standard antibiotics used for comparison were benzyl penicillin, streptomycin sulfate, and nystatin, which helped to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antimicrobial activity of chemoconstituents of roots of salacia macrosperma�. 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' in this context refers to the measurable effect of the ethanolic extract and its fractions from Salacia macrosperma on various microorganisms. It encompasses both antimicrobial and antifungal actions, which are crucial for evaluating the efficacy of natural compounds as potential therapeutic agents against infections. This activity is quantified through the diameter of zones of inhibition observed in experiments.
2) Water:
In the study, 'Water' plays a pivotal role as a solvent for preparing test samples and diluting extracts. Sterile distilled water is used to create the appropriate concentrations of the various fractions for antimicrobial testing. Its purity is essential to avoid contamination, ensuring that the observed activity can be attributed solely to the extracts being tested.
3) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term 'Antibiotic' relates to substances that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria, and benchmarks against which the antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was compared. Standard antibiotics like benzyl penicillin and streptomycin were used to establish a reference for evaluating the activity of Salacia macrosperma extracts, highlighting its potential as a natural alternative.
4) Science (Scientific):
'Science' signifies the systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge about the natural world, encompassing methodologies like those employed in this study. It underlines the analytical nature of researching antimicrobial properties and the importance of empirical evidence in validating the effectiveness of herbal extracts in combating microbial infections.
5) Drug:
In this context, 'Drug' refers to a chemical substance used for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases. The active compounds derived from Salacia macrosperma may hold potential as drugs, warranting investigations into their pharmacological properties. This aligns with interests in discovering novel natural drugs that are effective against resistant microorganisms.
6) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' indicates the analytical conversation that follows presenting results in scientific literature. It is critical for interpreting the findings, drawing conclusions, and comparing them with existing research. Here, it allows researchers to explore the implications of their results, understand the activity levels observed, and consider future research directions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Antimicrobial activity of chemoconstituents of roots of salacia macrosperma�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antimicrobial activity, Bacteriostatic activity, Zone of inhibition, Ethanolic extract, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Triplicate experiments, Dose-dependent activity, Fungal strain, Nutrient agar medium, Inoculum preparation, Chloroform fraction, Fungistatic activity.