Anti-Microbial Study of Shwasakuthar Rasa: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Shwasa kuthar Rasa is well known drug used in Respiratory disorders in Indian System of Medicine. It is herbomineral formulation made up of Parada, Gandhaka, Vatsanabha, Tankana, Manashila, Maricha, Pippali, Sunthi by triturating in Tambula patra Swarasa and indicated in Shwasa, Kasa, Mandagni, disorders prominent in Vata-Shleshma doshas. These action of Shwas kuthar rasa may be due to its antimicrobial activity, so that in vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed by Agar Disc Diffusion method with reference to staphylococcus aureus. In-vitro tests are necessary to help determine initial dose-response data as well as to evaluate potential susceptibility and/or resistance of specific pathogens. In-vitro systems include the ability to control the number of bacteria, extent of antimicrobial-bacteria contact time, as well as the influence of various environmental factors, such as oxygen tension, pH, and temperature. Agar dilution methods are to determine the lowest concentration of the assayed Shwas kuthar rasa as antimicrobial agent (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC) that, under defined test conditions, inhibits the visible growth of the bacterium being investigated. MIC values are used to determine susceptibilities of bacteria to drugs and also to evaluate the activity of new antimicrobial agents.