Antimicrobial properties of roots of medicinal plants
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antimicrobial properties of roots of medicinal plants
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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S. Sini, N.S. Malathy
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antimicrobial properties of roots of medicinal plants
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The use of plants for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times, with many species still integral to traditional healing practices. The study presented investigates the antimicrobial properties of six medicinal plants, specifically the roots of Acorus calamus, Aristolochia indica, Cyperus rotundus, Desmodium gangeticum, Holostemma ada-kodien, and Kaempferia galanga. These plants were evaluated for their antibacterial effectiveness against two bacteria: Bacillus pumilis (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) through disc diffusion assays, with extracts obtained using hexane, chloroform, and water. This research aims to substantiate the folkloric use of these plants in treating infections.
Antibacterial Activity of Medicinal Plants
The results of the antibacterial screenings reveal varying degrees of efficacy across the different solvent extracts and plant species. Notably, hexane extracts showed minimal antibacterial activity with exceptions in Aristolochia indica and Cyperus rotundus. The aqueous extracts exhibited some inhibition, particularly with Acorus calamus, Cyperus rotundus, and Kaempferia galanga against B. pumilis but were less effective against E. coli. Furthermore, both Desmodium gangeticum and Holostemma ada-kodien exhibited no antibacterial activity against either of the tested bacteria, highlighting the varying potential of different plants. These findings support the traditional therapeutic claims surrounding these herbs and emphasize the need for further investigation into their active compounds.
Conclusion
The research underscores the importance of scientifically validating traditional medicinal practices through empirical studies. While the antibacterial properties of certain medicinal plant roots were confirmed, others showed little to no activity, indicating a complex relationship between plant extracts and their efficacy against specific pathogens. The results not only affirm the historical use of these plants in folk medicine but also stress the necessity for continued exploration in the field of ethnopharmacology. Ultimately, this study contributes valuable data that could support further development of herbal remedies and inform future research on the antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plants were studied for their antimicrobial properties?
The study investigated the roots of Acorus calamus, Aristolochia indica, Cyperus rotundus, Desmodium gangeticum, Holostemma ada-kodien, and Kaempferia galanga for their antibacterial effects against Bacillus pumilis and Escherichia coli.
What method was used to test antibacterial activity?
The disc diffusion method was utilized, where various solvent extracts of the plant roots were applied to filter paper discs placed on bacteria-inoculated agar plates to measure inhibition zones.
What were the key results of the study?
The hexane extracts lacked antibacterial activity for most plants. However, Aristolochia indica showed inhibitory effects on bacteria, while aqueous extracts of some plants inhibited Bacillus pumilis but not Escherichia coli.
How were the plant extracts prepared for testing?
Dried plant roots were powdered and sequentially extracted with hexane, chloroform, and water, followed by drying the filtrates and resuspending them in respective solvents before testing for antibacterial activity.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎ntimicrobial properties of roots of medicinal plants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) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term 'antibacterial' refers to the ability of a substance, such as a plant extract, to inhibit the growth of bacteria. This property is critical in evaluating traditional medicinal plants for their potential to treat infections. The study shows certain plant extracts exhibit significant antibacterial properties, validating their use in folk medicine.
2) Cyperus rotundus:
'Cyperus rotundus,' known locally as 'Muthanga' in Malayalam and 'Karai' in Tamil, is a medicinal plant with various traditional uses, including its diuretic and anthelmintic properties. The study evaluated its root extracts for antibacterial activity, noting its limited effectiveness against the tested bacteria, contributing to understanding its medicinal significance.
3) Activity:
'Activity' in this context refers to the antibacterial effects observed from the root extracts of different medicinal plants. The method employed to measure this activity is the disc diffusion assay, revealing the zone of inhibition against bacteria, which helps assess the potential therapeutic uses of these plants in traditional medicine.
4) Desmodium gangeticum:
'Desmodium gangeticum,' locally called 'Orila' in Malayalam and 'Orilai/Pulladi' in Tamil, is a plant recognized for its medicinal properties. In this study, its root extract showed no significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria, prompting further exploration of its therapeutic benefits within traditional and modern contexts.
5) Acorus calamus:
'Acorus calamus,' known as 'Vayampu' in Malayalam and 'Vasampu' in Tamil, is characterized by its broad range of therapeutic applications, such as improving memory and treating epilepsy. The study evaluated its antibacterial properties, demonstrating effectiveness against specific bacteria, thereby supporting its traditional medicinal use.
6) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the practices and procedures related to health care, including the use of traditional medicinal plants. This study examines the antibacterial properties of various plant roots, reinforcing the significance of traditional medicine and its role as a foundation for developing modern therapeutics based on plant-derived compounds.
7) Water:
'Water' is a key solvent used in extracting compounds from plant materials in this study. The aqueous extracts of the roots were evaluated for antibacterial activity. The results highlight the potential of water extracts in traditional practices, underlining the importance of solvent choice in the extraction of bioactive compounds.
8) Botany:
'Botany' is the scientific study of plants, crucial for understanding the medicinal properties of various species. The researchers' background in botany assists in identifying, collecting, and analyzing medicinal plants, allowing for a systematic exploration of their antibacterial effects and broader implications for herbal medicine and pharmacology.
9) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section where results are interpreted in the study. Here, the significance of the antibacterial effects of the plant extracts is analyzed, leading to conclusions about their traditional uses and potential in modern medicine. This section emphasizes the relevance of the findings to existing knowledge.
10) Epilepsy:
'Epilepsy' is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. 'Acorus calamus', traditionally used to treat epilepsy, was evaluated in this study. While its antibacterial activity was noted, further research may be needed to explore its efficacy against neurological conditions, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific evaluation.
11) Pulladi (Pull膩d墨):
'Pulladi' is a local Tamil name for 'Desmodium gangeticum,' a plant cited for its traditional medicinal uses, including its properties as a diuretic and febrifuge. The study's investigation into its antibacterial properties aligns with existing ethnobotanical knowledge, potentially informing modern therapeutic practices and research directions.
12) Vayampu:
'Vayampu,' the Malayalam name for 'Acorus calamus,' signifies the cultural relevance of this plant in traditional medicine. Recognized for its various health benefits, such as improving cognitive functions, the study's findings on its antibacterial properties further highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent in contemporary healthcare.
13) Science (Scientific):
'Science' embodies the systematic study of phenomena, including the exploration of plant properties in this research. This investigation applies scientific methods to validate the antibacterial claims of traditional medicine, bridging folk remedies with empirical evidence, thus fostering a deeper understanding of phytotherapy and its applications.
14) Blood:
'Blood' in this context relates to the medicinal properties attributed to 'Kaempferia galanga,' which is known for its blood-purifying effects. The study's focus on antibacterial activity informs modern approaches to understanding how traditional plant remedies can contribute to blood health and overall wellness through empirical validation.
15) Drug:
'Drug' signifies a substance used for medical treatment. The study investigates the antibacterial effects of various medicinal plant extracts, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents. This research underscores the importance of herbal extracts in the pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for developing new drugs derived from traditional medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Antimicrobial properties of roots of medicinal plants鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Control, Medicinal plant, Anthelmintic, Traditional medicine, Febrifuge, Plant material, In vitro antibacterial activity, Aqueous extract, Antibacterial properties, Diuretic, Chloroform extract, Ethnobotanical data, Carminative, Hexane extract, Diameter of inhibition zone, Antispasmodic, Eschericia coli, Stimulant.