Pre-clinical appraisal of “Dooshivishari Agada” for antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity: In vitro trial

Abstract

Background: “Dooshivishari Agada†is one of the frequently prescribed herbomineral compound medications in a variety of ailments including venomous bites and stings in South India especially in Kerala. The compound preparation is a contribution of Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridayam, Uttaratantra, and chapter 35/39–40 which indicates are benefits and versatile applicability in various poisonous infectious insect bites. Materials and Methods: The present study was planned to explore the in vitro antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity of this formulation. Agar-well method was used for screening in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity. Zones of inhibition were observed in disc diffusion for antimicrobial investigation against selected standard bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Shigella, and fungal strains Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans. Cefpodoxime and fluconazole were used as antibacterial and antifungal control with a concentration of 10 mg/ml, respectively, to compare the effects. Results: The formulation - “Dooshivishari Agada†showed an average zone of inhibition ranging from 17 to 33 mm suggesting its activeness against the tested microorganisms and confirmed its antimicrobial perspective. Antioxidant activity was calculated in terms of ascorbic acid which was observed as 10.91. Conclusion: Dooshivishari Agada undoubtedly exhibits its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant potentials. Precise and rational therapeutic application of this formulation will certainly prove beneficial.