Evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant potential of some homoeopathic mother tinctures

Abstract

Objectives: In homoeopathic system of medicine, mother tinctures are prescribed for several diseases especially for septic conditions and cure of many illnesses. This study was done to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of ten commonly used homoeopathic mother tinctures. Materials and Methods: Ten prepared mother tinctures were tested against five clinically important human pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella typhi [S.T], Escherichia coli [E.C], Bacillus subtilis [B.S], Staphylococcus aureus [S.A], and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [P.A]) by broth micro-dilution method with ciprofloxacin as positive control. Antioxidant activity was estimated by 2,2-diphenyl 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition assay. Ascorbic acid was taken as positive standard in antioxidant activity. Results: All mother tinctures showed more or less antibacterial activity. Cinchona officinalis had maximum activity (89% inhibition) against Salmonella typhi than all the tested mother tinctures. Pulsatilla nigricans showed the highest inhibition of DPPH (85%) among other tested plant mother tinctures. Conclusion: This study reveals that the above-tested mother tincture has antibacterial and antioxidant potential against the particular microorganism and 2,2- diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPHH), respectively.