Abstract

SCREENING OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL SYNERGY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS THAT ARE COMMONLY USED IN TRADITIONAL HEALING

Ch. Murali Mohan*¹, P.Venkata Smitha², K. Prameela¹ and A. B. Raju³

Abstract

Objective: Zingiber officinale (rhizome), Boswellia serrata (resin), and Alpinia galanga (rhizome) are used in combination in the preparation of a traditional medicine “Yogaraja guggilam” which is mainly prescribed for treatment of musculo-skeletal pains and reduction of cholesterol. Scientific studies validating the synergistic effects of these herbs are lacking. Methods: This study focused on determining antimicrobial efficacies of methanol extracts of these plant parts independently and in combination by measuring the zone of inhibition as well as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antimicrobial activity was tested against six pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Styphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris; four pathogenic fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Pencillium sp, Candida albicans and an entomopathogenic fungus: Beaveria bassiana. Results: The zone of inhibition of individual extracts is less (0-12 mm) against microbes than in combination (7-18 mm). The phytochemical analysis had showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolics. Conclusion: This investigation is an evidence for the synergism among the compounds.

Keywords: