Antimicrobial Activity of Gunjadya Taila (oil): An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Physicians are facing many challenges in treating various bacterial and fungal infections due to obstacles such as resistance development, side-effects, patient affordability, etc. Gunja mentioned in Ayurvedic texts can be an ideal substitute for the treatment of various infectious diseases. Gunja is a well-known herbal semi-poisonous plant reported to contain various medicinal properties used in various formulations after a proper purification process. These formulations are indicated for preservation of health and cure of a variety of disease conditions Gunjadya Taila is one of the formulations prepared from Shuddha Gunja and other ingredients. This medicine is used topically in different dosage forms suited for the patient and the disease condition. In the current scientific work, the effect of Gunjadya Taila is assessed for antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans hence to evaluate both antifungal and antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria this study is undertaken. Aim: To assess the antimicrobial activity of Gunjadya Taila. Materials and Methods: In-vitro (antibacterial) study was carried out in JNMC, Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The duration of the study was from April 2022 to August 2023. The in-vitro antibacterial study of Gunjadya Taila was performed on three bacteria and one fungal strain. Gunjadya Taila was prepared in three batches in Laboratory of Rasashastra Department. The in-vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated by the Agar well diffusion method at 100 μL, 150 μL and 200 μL concentration and their results were compared with a broad spectrum and most commonly used antibiotic. The test for statistical analysis used was ANOVA at all three concentrations. The software used for statistical analysis was SPSS and 27.0 version. The set level of significant p-value was <0.05 for the antibacterial study. Results: It is observed that Murchchhita and Amurchchhita Gunjadya Taila both sensitive against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Gunjadya Taila shows antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It also shows limited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, although this was inferior to that of the positive control.