Department of Microbiology, Muthayammal College of Arts and Science, Rasipuram, INDIA
Department of Education, The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, INDIA
Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA
Department of Chemistry, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, INDIA
Centre for Integrative Medical Research, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH), Chennai, INDIA
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ABSTRACT
Background
Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) holds a longstanding position in traditional medicinal practices, renowned for its diverse medicinal and pharmacological attributes. Medicinal plants not only offer significant therapeutic benefits but also hold economic importance. A noteworthy trait of phytomedicine lies in its low toxicity, which positively impacts the pharmaceutical market. Hence, traditional practices often incorporate detoxification/purification methods to mitigate the toxicity of herbs.
Objectives
Aimed at scientifically validating these practices, our study explores the traditional detoxification method known as Sodhana and assessing its Influence on T ammi.
Materials and Methods
We evaluate the antimicrobial, phytochemical, heavy metal content and anti-inflammatory efficacy of detoxified T ammi seeds.
Results
The seeds undergo lime treatment, followed by grinding into powder and extraction with 90% ethanol. Our antimicrobial study reveals that lime-treated ethanol extract exhibits robust inhibitory activity against various microbial strains, surpassing the unprocessed extract in most cases. Notably, significant reductions in heavy metal content are observed post-lime treatment, particularly in titanium, indium, bismuth, strontium, lead, aluminum, boron, mercury, and cadmium. Phytochemical analyses via ICP/OES, GC-MS and LC-MS demonstrate alterations in compound compositions between unprocessed and lime-treated extracts, with the latter exhibiting elevated levels of thymol and fatty acids. Furthermore, our investigation highlights the considerable anti-inflammatory potential of lime-treated T ammi seed extracts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings emphasize the efficacy of lime treatment in reducing toxic elements while enhancing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus advocating for its utilization in traditional herbal practices.