ABSTRACT
We conducted bioassay tests to an in vitro antibacterial activity of Andrographis paniculata, Nees using Bacillus subtilis spores as the test organism. Serum sample of healthy subjects taking 500 mg of the plant prepared in Thailand and China showed no antibacterial activity. Serum sample of some healthy subjects taking 1,000 mg of the plant showed a very weak antibacterial effect. The plant’s extracts at concentrations of 20,000 mcg/ml and 40,000 mcg/ml of neoandrographolide showed no antibacterial activity whereas those of undorgrapholide and dehydroandrographolide had weak antibacterial effect. It is indicated that Andrographis paniculata, Nees has very weak antibacterial activity, if it dose exist. The clinical effect of Andrographis paniculata, Nees at the dosage of 2-4 g per day should not be due to antibacterial activity. It is probably due to anti-inflammatory effect.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the variety of micro-organisms in the sputum of COPD patients, comparing those found in the stable quiescent stage with those appearing during acute exacerbation. The results showed no clear-cut differences in the distribution of either normal florae or potential pathogens in both of the diseased states. Haemophilus influenzae and pneumoniac seemed to no role in the occurence of acute exacerbation of COPD. Findings of Gram-negative bacilli in high rates, during the acute exacerbation and the quiescent states, possibly accounted for the presence of acute infection pneumonia but not the perpetuation of acute exacerbation in COPD patients.