Antimicrobial activity of sugar-based semisolid polyherbal ayurvedic formulation: Chyawanprash

Objective: This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of chloroform (CHCl3) extracts of chyawanprash (Dabur India Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, India) and hydrolyzed chyawanprash against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on nutrient agar media using cup plate method. Materials and Methods: CHCl3extracts of chyawanprash were prepared directly as well as by previously hydrolyzing with dilute HCl. Three test groups of 10, 20, and 50 mg/ml were prepared for each CHCl3extract, whereas ampicillin 20 mg/ml was used as standard group. Further, six agar plates were prepared for each group, i.e., three for E. coli and three for S. aureus. Cups were bored on each plate with the help of steel cup borer and cups on each plate were marked for identification. Extracts of different concentrations (i.e., 10, 20, and 50 mg/ml) were poured into cups and all plates were then incubated at 37°C for 48 h. After incubation, plates were observed for bacterial growth and zone of inhibition were measured. Results: Results showed that both CHCl3as well as hydrolyzed CHCl3extract of chyawanprash showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. The largest zone of inhibition was observed at the concentration of 50 mg/ml of both CHCl3extracts of chyawanprash (12.7 ± 1.5 mm for E. coli and 15.0 ± 1.0 mm for S. aureus) and hydrolyzed chyawanprash (14.3 ± 0.6 mm for E. coli and 16.3 ± 0.6 mm for S. aureus). Conclusion: Chyawanprash possesses promising potential for use as an antimicrobial agent.