Abstract

Dr. Yashwant Singh Sengar*, Dr. Sangeeta Rao, Dr. Vikram S., Dr. Rubina B.S.

ABSTRACT

Background: Kushtharakshasa Taila is a classical Ayurvedic medicated oil indicated in various skin disorders. Sneha Kalpana prepared through Suryapaka is considered a unique pharmaceutical process that facilitates extraction of active principles from herbal ingredients. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of Suryapaki Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared with water and without water. Objective: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared with water and without water against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity was assessed by the agar well diffusion method using Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The test samples included Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared with water and Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared without water. Thirty microliters (30 µl) of each sample were introduced into wells prepared on inoculated agar plates. Fusidic acid (10 µg) and Fluconazole (25 µg) served as standard antimicrobial agents. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and the zones of inhibition were measured. Results: Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared with water demonstrated zones of inhibition of 2.3 cm against Streptococcus pyogenes, 2.3 cm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 2.4 cm against Candida albicans. Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared without water exhibited zones of inhibition of 1.6 cm, 1.7 cm, and 2.1 cm respectively against the same organisms. Both formulations showed antimicrobial activity; however, the preparation with water exhibited comparatively greater inhibitory effects. Conclusion: Suryapaki Kushtharakshasa Taila prepared with water possesses superior antimicrobial activity compared to the formulation prepared without water. The enhanced activity may be attributed to improved extraction and incorporation of active phytoconstituents during preparation.