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Anti-infective potential of a quorum modulatory polyherbal extract (panchvalkal) against certain pathogenic bacteria

Pooja Patel1, Chinmayi Joshi1, Hanmanthrao Palep2

  • 1Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, Gujarat, India.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
|October 5, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study explored the anti-infective properties of the polyherbal formulation panchvalkal. It demonstrated quorum-modulatory effects against pathogenic bacteria and showed protective benefits in a C. elegans model, without inducing resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Ethnomedicine
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Conventional bactericidal agents face increasing challenges due to widespread resistance among pathogenic bacteria.
  • Investigating alternative approaches, such as those derived from traditional medicine, is crucial for combating bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-infective potential of the polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation, panchvalkal.
  • To investigate the quorum-modulatory activity of panchvalkal against key pathogenic bacteria.
  • To assess the in vivo efficacy and resistance development potential of panchvalkal.

Main Methods:

  • The study utilized in vitro broth dilution assays to assess quorum-modulatory effects of panchvalkal (Pentaphyte P5®) on Chromobacterium violaceum, Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • In vivo efficacy was evaluated using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model host challenged with the test pathogens.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility, catalase activity, and hemolytic potential were also assessed in vitro.

Main Results:

  • Panchvalkal exhibited quorum-modulatory effects on C. violaceum, S. marcescens, and S. aureus at concentrations of 250-750 μg/ml.
  • The formulation altered quorum sensing-regulated pigment production and influenced in vitro antibiotic susceptibility, catalase activity, and hemolytic potential.
  • In vivo assays confirmed panchvalkal's protective effect in C. elegans against bacterial challenge, and no resistance developed in S. aureus upon repeated exposure.

Conclusions:

  • This research presents the first report on the quorum-modulatory potential of the panchvalkal formulation.
  • The findings validate the anti-infective properties of this polyherbal preparation.
  • Panchvalkal demonstrates moderate prebiotic properties, offering a promising avenue for combating bacterial infections.
Keywords:
Antibiotic susceptibilityAntimicrobial resistance (AMR)PanchvalkalPolyherbalQuorum sensingStaphylococcus aureus

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