PROBIOTIC POTENTIAL, ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF BALAMRUTHAM TONIC: A PROPRIETARY AYURVEDIC ARISHTA FORMULATION

Arishta (Ayurvedic fermented herbal decoction), a traditional fermented herbal formulation, has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to identify and characterize probiotic bacterial strains in Balamrutham, a proprietary honey-based Arishta product manufactured by Sitaram Ayurveda Pvt. Limited. In addition to microbial profiling, the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity were evaluated to assess its therapeutic potential comprehensively. Bacterial strains were isolated from Balamrutham using gram staining techniques. The molecular identity of these strains was determined through DNA sequencing. Physicochemical analysis was conducted following Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia protocols. The antimicrobial activity of Balamrutham was assessed using the well diffusion method against selected pathogenic bacterial strains. Two distinct probiotic strains, Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus pumilus, were isolated and identified. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the stability and efficacy of Balamrutham. The antimicrobial study showed broad-spectrum activity, with the highest effectiveness observed against Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the potential of Balamrutham as a source of beneficial probiotics, supporting its role in gut health, immunity, and overall wellness. The study establishes a scientific foundation for the functional and therapeutic applications of fermented Ayurvedic formulations in modern probiotic therapy, reinforcing the relevance of traditional medicine in contemporary healthcare.