Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Milagu Mezhugu – A Siddha Formulation

Infectious diseases remain a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.Traditional medicine systems, such as Siddha, offer alternative therapeutic options with potential antimicrobial properties.Milagu Mezhugu, a Siddha formulation containing Piper nigrum (black pepper), is traditionally used for treating skin infections.This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical profile of Milagu Mezhugu to assess its potential as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.The antimicrobial activity of Milagu Mezhugu was determined using the Resazurin Microtitre Assay to establish Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) against various bacterial strains.Phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify the presence of bioactive compounds using standard chemical tests.Milagu Mezhugu demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with the lowest MIC values observed against Bacillus subtilis (250 g) and Staphylococcus aureus (500 g).Higher MIC values were recorded for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1000 g).Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids.Milagu Mezhugu shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and a diverse array of phytochemicals, supporting its traditional use in treating infections.Further research is needed to explore its clinical applications and standardize its use in modern medicine.