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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Unveiling the medicinal potential of dadima as a bioactive compound in Dadimashtaka choornam for exploring the antimicrobial properties against bacterial pathogens

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12811
Submitted
18 November 2025
Published
20-04-2026

Abstract

Ayurvedic formulations have long served as traditional remedies and Dadimashtaka churna known for its anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcer properties is now being explored for its antimicrobial potential. Considering rising antimicrobial resistance this study investigates the antibacterial activity and phytochemical profile of Dadimashtaka churna against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanolic and aqueous extracts were analysed through organoleptic, physicochemical, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins and phenolics. The disc diffusion assay showed a maximum inhibition zone of 28±0.37 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, followed by 22 ± 0.23 mm for Escherichia coli, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the smallest inhibition zone of 14 ± 0.21 mm. High performance thin liquid chromatography revealed the consistent presence of Dadima in all 3 samples, with retention factor (Rf) values of 0.74, 0.79 and 0.74, respectively and a peak area eight times higher than that of the other ingredients. This aligns with its dominant quantity of 8 phala in the formulation, while the other ingredients are present in 1 phala, half, or quarter proportions. Heavy metal content was within WHO safety limits. These findings validate Dadimashtaka choornam potential as a safe and effective antibacterial agent and its comparative study reveals that sample C closely follows the classical Ayurvedic proportions, which is also supported by its higher total peak area.

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