Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Athimathuram Chooranam: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Infectious diseases remain a significant global health burden by rising threat to antibiotic resistance. According to Siddha literature, Athimathura Chooranam is a traditional herbal remedy that is used to relieve nausea, vomiting,head ache, Pitham and body itching. Aim/Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the Anti-microbial activity of Athimathura Chooranam against various micro-organisms and to determine its potential  as a natural antimicrobial agent against various pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Bacillus cereus(Clinical Cochin University), Klebsiella pneumonia(ATCC-700603),Escherichia coli(ATCC 25922)and Candida albicans (Clinical Cochin University).Methods Athimathura Chooranam was tested by agar-well diffusion method.The medium was prepared by using Mueller Hinton Agar and Sabouraud dextrose media which was subsequently autoclaved. Results The Anti-microbial activity of Athimathuram Chooranam was assessed against five microbial cultures: two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and one fungal Strain (Candida albicans). The Chooranam was tested at concentrations of 25mg/mL and 50mg/mL.It showed significant zone of inhibitions of 18 mm for Staphylococcus aureus,16mm for Bacillus cereus,24 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae,25 mm for Escherichaicoli, and 23 mm for Candida albicans. This indicates that Athimathuram Chooranam exhibits antimicrobial properties against a broad Spectrum of microbial organisms.