Comparative Study on Antibacterial Potential of Phytochemicals and Ayurvedic Formulations against Urinary Tract Infectious Bacteria

Abstract

Medicinal plants and Ayurvedic formulations are an abode of suitable plant extracts identified for their active compounds and are devised against suitable infections. This natural treatment is widely accepted for their efficacy, safety and lesser side effects. The present study involves identifying the most suitable antibacterial agent among phytochemicals and ayurvedic formulations for the cure of urinary tract infections which is a highly prevalent disease in the present scenario. E. coli, Klebsiellapneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus identified from urine samples were used as test strains. The disc diffusion assay was performed for a comparative analysis to identify the most suitable plant extract, its active compound and Ayurvedic formulation, that could be used in curing ailments of Urinary Tract Infections.The plant extracts of Eupatorium odoratum L., Azadirachtaindica L., Ocimum sanctum L. Coleus aromaticus L., Aloe barbadensis L.,andRotulaaquatica L.were tested for their antibacterial activity against the isolates. Further, the active compounds of lignins and proteins were isolated from the effective extracts of Eupatorium odoratum L. and RotulaaquaticaL. and tested for their antibacterial activity which could be used in the formulation of various medicines. A comparative study was also made with theAyurvedic formulations like Brihatyadikashayam, Viratradikashayam, Chandraprabhavatika and Punarnavasavam, to identify its antibacterial efficacy. The most effective plant extracts were that of Eupatorium odoratum L. and Rotulaaquatica L. The protein extract of Eupatorium odoratum L. and RotulaaquatiaL. proved to be effective constituent as antibacterial agent. Among the Ayurvedic formulations, Chandraprabhavatika exhibited bacteriostatic activity against Klebsiellapneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The excessive use of antibiotics paves way for secondary ailments and resistance between different bacterial species, hence there is a rapid replacement of chemical antibiotics with natural remedies which is highly demanded for their non toxicity and lesser side effects and better cure.