Antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of an ayurvedic formulation Khadirarishta

Abstract

AimTo evaluate the antibacterial effect of Khadirarishta (An Ayurvedic traditional formulation) against some of the bacterial strains as well as to investigate the probable mechanism of action against sensitive bacterial strains by using standard procedures. MethodsThe antibacterial activity of Khadirarishta against some of the bacterial strains was evaluated by using bacterial susceptibility assay and the broth Microdilution method by using microplate reader and p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) reagent assay. The mechanism of action of Khadirarishta was observed by its effects on the bacterial membrane followed by quantification of effluxes components. Resistance analysis and Combination effect of Khadirarishta was also performed to explore its antibacterial dimensions. HPLC analysis of Khadirarishta was carried out for identifying the different marker compounds. ResultsKhadirarishta revealed a significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial spectrum against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enterica bacterial strains. The mechanism of action of Khadirarishta seems to be linked with the disruption of bacterial membrane permeability which leads to the smooth entry of active compounds, efflux of nucleotide material and K+ ions. The four major marker compounds viz., gallic acid, catechin, ellagic acid, and eugenol were identified by HPLC analysis. ConclusionThis study shows that Khadirarishta has antibacterial potency and has a vigorous effect on the bacterial cell wall and membrane permeability. This could be due to the presence of identified marker compounds in this herb-decoction based Ayurvedic traditional formulation.