Effects of aqueous young leaves extract of Mangifera indica on gm (-) microorganisms causing gastro-intestinal disorders

Plants have, for generations, been a source of various kinds of remedies and been used for medicinal purpose to cure different types of ailments and will continue to provide remedies for these ailments, especially in rural areas in developing countries. Consumption of medicinal herbs is tremendously increasing over a past decade as an alternative approaches to improve the quality of life and to maintain a good health. Gastro-intestinal disorders (mainly diarrhea) is one of the major health threats to populations in tropical and subtropical poor countries, responsible for about 5 million deaths annually, of which 2.5 million are children of less than 5 years. Mangifera indica (anacardiaceae family) grows in the tropical & subtropical region & its parts are commonly used in folk medicine for a wide variety of remedies. One of the folk uses is to take the young leaves juice in gastrointestinal disorder. Hence an attempt is taken here to evaluate the effects of aqueous young leaves extract against different gm (-) organisms causing gastro-intestinal disorders. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoid, steroid, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids & carbohydrate. The presence of this secondary metabolite may be responsible for the antidiarrhoeal properties of the crude extract. Aqueous extract of young leaves of Mangifera indica were tested against five gm (-) organisms like E,coliTG1; S.typhi NCTC 74; S. typhi 62; Vibrio cholera 1023 and S. sonnei NK4010 at concentrations of 300, 200, 100, 50 mg/ml. The growths of all the tested organisms are inhibited and the growth inhibition is dose dependent. Hence it could be concluded that the aqueous young leaves extract of Mangifera indica could be utilized in the management of gastro-intestinal disorders and its effect could be potentiating as required.

Author(s): Pintu K. De and Arna Pal

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