Effect of microbial contaminants on triphala drug efficacy during storage and enhancement of therapeutic spectrum of the drug in vitro

ABSTRACT

Present paper deals with the efficacy of Triphala churna extracts, extracted by using different processes viz. Chi-Pien Chen, Boiled [aq.], Alcoholic and Cold against five bacterial test organisms i.e. Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus megatcrium and Bacillus species by seeded agar diffusion method and its microflora during storage period of six months. Strength of the drug in terms of unit strength was also investigated. Positive correlation between concentration and efficacy of the drug was recorded in beginning. Maximum drug efficacy of the drug was found at 100% concentration followed by 75%, 50% and 25% respectively. Behaviour of drug efficacy of different types of extracts could not yield any definite pattern against all bacterial test organisms in relation to drug storage period. Maximum drug efficacy was found at zero day against S. typhi in case of Chi-Pien Chen and boiled extract while this value was recorded at two months storage period for some bacterial test organisms. A gradual declined trend of drug efficacy was noted in alcoholic and cold aqueous extracts with the duration of drug storage for all test organisms. A trend of regular enhancement of microbial flora during storage period was found. Negative correlation between drug efficacy and microbial load of the drug could be established