Vol. 6, Issue 8 (2017)

Author(s):
Dr. Sindhu K, Dr. Prejith and Sivan VV

Abstract:

The present study was conducted to explore the in vitro antimicrobial activity of polyherbal formulation (PHF-M1) used by local tribal healers against mastitis isolated pathogens. Scientific validation of traditional knowledge was carried out by standardizing prepared polyherbal formulation on the basis of Physico-chemical parameters, qualitative phytochemical screening of secondary plant metabolites and toxicity studies. However, safety, efficacy and quality test for herbal formulations are limited due to their complex nature. Further, the formulation was evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against mastitis isolated pathogens which includes Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) and Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeroginosa) organisms. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was measured. The results revealed that the polyherbal extract possesses considerable amount of antimicrobial inhibition against the tested strains and MIC values showed maximum activity even at low concentrations. These results suggest that the secondary metabolites might be responsible for the antimicrobial activity. This study provides in part scientific evidence for the use of polyherbal formulation as traditional remedy in the treatment of sub-clinical mastitis used by local healers of Wayanad district.