An Experimental Evaluation of Karavellaka Phala (Momordica Charantia linn.) for Antimicrobial Effect W.S.R. to Krimighna Karma

Abstract

Background: Karavellaka Phala also advocated for treatment of Krimi in various texts which are coated in various  Nighantu such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. Hence, Karavellaka Phala can be used as antimicrobial agent in the  place of antibiotics. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate Krimighna (Antimicrobial) effect of aqueous and  alcoholic extract of Karavellaka Phala and (2) to compare antimicrobial action of test drug with standard drug group. Materials and Methods: The methodology followed in the present study encompasses the following aspects:  (1) microscopic and macroscopic study of Karavellaka Phala, (2) phytochemical analysis of Karavellaka Phala, (3) preparation of test drug extracts with disk diffusion method, and (4) screening of anti-microbial activity of  Karavellaka Phala. (a) 1 Gram-positive bacteria = Staphylococcus aureus, (b) Gram-negative bacteria = Klebsiella  pneumonia, and (c) Standard Drug Group – Amoxicillin. Observation and Results: After incubated at 37C for 48 h, the zone of inhibition was measured in mm for each  organism with different extracts to evaluate anti-microbial activity of Karavellaka Phala. Conclusion: Alcoholic extract and aqueous extract of Karavellaka Phala Churna shows no anti-microbial activity. Nowadays, people are showing much interest in scientifically validating  the therapeutic efficacy of herbal drugs. Clinical, pharmacological,  and experimental assessing of the drug to test their therapeutic value  have been carried out all over the world from time to time.