Comparative <i>In Vitro</i> Antibacterial Activity of <i>Mridwikadi Leham</i> and <i>Mridwikadi</i> Syrup Against Selected Respiratory Pathogens

Abstract

Background: Respiratory infections have been on the rise and are a significant global health concern. Mridwikadi Leham (ML) is an Ayurvedic formulation used to treat respiratory conditions. Aim: This study aims to formulate a syrup from ML and compare ML and Mridwikadi Syrup (MS) antibacterial activity against respiratory pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Method: Ethanol extracts of both ML and MS were tested for their antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and S. aureus using the disc diffusion method. The physicochemical properties of the extracts were also evaluated. Result: Both ML and MS demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and exhibited a zone of inhibition with a diameter of 28mm. Against S. aureus, the syrup extract (MS) showed a zone of inhibition with a diameter of 30mm, while the leham extract (ML) had a zone of inhibition with a diameter of 25mm. Conclusion: The study provides initial evidence that ML and MS have antibacterial effects against K. pneumoniae and S. aureus. These findings suggest that these Ayurvedic formulations may hold promise as potential treatments for respiratory infections. Further research, including clinical studies, is needed to confirm the efficacy of the syrup (MS) in treating coughs and respiratory infections in humans. This study aims to understand Ayurvedic remedies in the context of respiratory infections. It opens the door for further investigations and potentially developing new treatments for these common and sometimes severe health issues.