Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Ammoniacum Gum from Dorema ammoniacum

Abstract

Antimicrobial activity of the dichloromethane-methanol (1 : 1) extract of ammoniacum gum (from Dorema ammoniacum D. Don) was evaluated against 14 microorganisms which included seven Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis), four Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aereuginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bordetella bronchiseptica), one yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae) and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). The extract of ammoniacum gum exhibited a of broad spectrum antimicrobial activity by inhibiting all the seven Gram-positive bacterium, one Gramnegative bacterium, one yeast and one fungus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 mg/ml. To overcome the solubility problem often faced when herbal extracts are added to aqueous medium, we employed a modified broth method where the broth cultures were agitated at 150 rpm in an orbital shaking incubator. This method reduced the MIC of the extract considerably, to 5-20 mg/ml, against B. bronchiseptica, S. aureus and S. epidermidis.

Callus induction and plant regeneration in Dorem ammoniacum D., an endangered medicinal plant

“…A medicinal gum resin commonly known as Ammoniacum or gum ammoniac is found in cavities in stems, roots, and petioles (Leaman 2006;Langenheim 2003). The resin serves as a carminative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, expectorant, poultice, stimulant, Antimicrobial, and vasodilator (Rajani et al 2002;Leaman 2006). It is still used in Indian and Western Medicine and is listed in the British pharmacopoeia as an antispasmodic and expectorant.…”

Compounds from Gum Ammoniacum with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity

“…The gum-resin, commonly known as gum ammoniacum, which is secreted from damaged stems and roots, has been traditionally used as an expectorant, stimulant, and antispasmodic drug in the Unani system of medicine [6]. It is also used as an anthelmintic and for gastrointestinal disorders in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) [7].…”

“…It is also used as an anthelmintic and for gastrointestinal disorders in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) [7]. Some biological activities such as antibacterial and vasodilatory effects have been reported for this resin [6, 8]. Recently, a low cytotoxic activity was shown for the essential oil from fruits of D. ammoniacum [9].…”

Volatile Constituents of the Aerial Parts of Terataenium Lasiopentalum (Boiss.) Manden., Stems and Leaves of Dorema Ammoniacum D.DON. And Leaves, Fruits and Stems of Leutea Petiolare (Dc.) M.PIMEN From Iran

“…9,10 D. ammoniacum gum resin has been reported to exhibit some bioactivities including antibacterial, antifungal and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. [11][12][13] .…”