A Study on the Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Properties of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia chebula Fruits

Introduction: The Combretaceae family species Terminalia chebula is frequently referred to as the “king of medicine” utilised throughout Tibet to treat a variety of conditions like diabetes, depression, leprosy, cardiovascular disease, inadequate memory etc due to its alluring antibacterial, antifungal, anticariogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity. Terminalia chebula fruits are rich in tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils.Aim: To study the antibacterial and cytotoxic characteristics of Terminalia chebula aqueous extractMethod: Aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula were tested using a brine-shrimp lethal assay for cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. In this present study on antibacterial activity, the effectiveness of T. chebula’s aqueous fruit extract against gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was assessed using the Agar well diffusion method at different concentrations.Results: Aqueous Terminalia chebula showed good effects as both antibacterial and cytotoxic using brine shrimp lethality assay.Conclusion: Terminalia chebula aqueous extract showed an efficient antibacterial and cytotoxic effect and hence can be used for different biomedical applications. How to cite this article:Azmathullah R, Dhanalakshmi P, Lakshmi K, Kumar S R. A Study on the Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Properties of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia chebula Fruits. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(3):13-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202438