Article: EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND TIME-KILL KINETICS OF CHITHIRAMOOLA KULIGAI AGAINST MICROBIAL PATHOGENS

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15380

Pages: 104-110

Author: Subathra T *, Shanmugapriya P, Rajalakshmi K, Mary Shamya Arokiarajan, Ramamurthy M, Meenakumari R

Abstract: The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and protecting against pathogenic invasion. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, is associated with increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections like human papillomavirus, which is linked to cervical cancer. Traditional herbal medicine, such as "Chithiramoola Kuligai" (CMK), offers potential as an alternative therapeutic approach, yet its antimicrobial efficacy remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the antimicrobial activity of CMK against a range of microbial pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Time-kill kinetics assays were also conducted to investigate the dynamic interaction between CMK and microbial populations over time. Agar well diffusion assays assessed CMK's susceptibility to diverse microbes. Broth microdilution assays determined Minimum Inhibitory Concentration against individual pathogens. Time-kill kinetics explored CMK's concentration-dependent efficacy and mechanisms. CMK exhibited significant inhibitory activity against both bacterial and fungal strains. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) for CMK ranged from 12mm to 31mm, depending on the strain and concentration. MIC values indicated potent antimicrobial effects, particularly against gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. For example, the MIC values for S. aureus and E. coli were 75 mg/ml, while for L. acidophilus and C. albicans, it was 50 mg/ml. Time-kill kinetics analysis revealed concentration-dependent efficacy, with decreased viable bacterial and fungal counts observed at concentrations equal to or greater than the MIC. CMK exhibits significant antimicrobial activity, supporting its traditional use in infectious disease treatment. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and optimize efficacy, indicating CMK's potential as a novel antimicrobial agent.

Keyword: vaginal microbiome, cervical cancer, Siddha, antimicrobial, dose-dependent.