Evaluation of Antimicrobial activity and Microbial load of the Polyherbal Siddha formulation Sangkaaravairavan

Abstract

Introduction: Sangkaara Vairavan (SV) is a polyherbal Siddha formulation composed of nine ingredients. Herbal medicines are often susceptible to microbial contamination, which can compromise their therapeutic benefits or even pose toxic effects.

Aim: To scientifically assess the efficacy of Sangkaara Vairavan (SV) by evaluating its microbial contamination and antimicrobial properties.

Study design

Place of study: The microbial load and anti-microbial activity were examined at the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine in Chennai, which is accredited by NABH and NABL.

Methodology: Sangkaara Vairavan was prepared traditionally according to the Standard Operating Procedure and formed into 130mg pills using ginger juice concentrate. Microbial load assessment was conducted using pour plate method following WHO standards with serial dilutions on selective media. Specific pathogenic bacteria were identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion method against five clinical isolates. Hydroalcoholic extracts (50-150 mg/ml) were tested with standard  antibiotic controls, measuring inhibition zones.

Results: No contamination detected: Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa were absent. Total bacterial and fungal counts remained within permissible limits. SV demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity across all tested strains, producing clear inhibitory zones that compared favourably to those of Ampicillin, Norfloxacin, and Amphotericin.

Conclusion:SV is both microbiologically safe (free from major pathogens and within limits for overall microbial load) and exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy. These findings support its therapeutic potential and warrant deeper pharmacological investigation.