MICROORGANISMS IN AYURVEDIC PARLANCE: A CRITICAL REVIEW AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF SUKSHMA ELA (ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM)

The rise of multi-drug resistant pathogens has generated global interest in traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, where infectious diseases are conceptualized under the framework of Krimi (microorganisms) and Janapadodhwansa (epidemics). This study presents a critical review of Krimi and evaluates the antimicrobial potential of Sukshma Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), traditionally classified as a potent Krimighna agent within the Eladi Gana. Seed extracts of E. cardamomum were prepared at the Rasa Shala of Government Ayurvedic College, Guwahati, and extracted using Methanol and Ethyl Acetate. These extracts were screened against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes using the agar well diffusion method across a 15% to 100% gradient. While the polar methanolic extract showed no zone of inhibition at any concentration, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated a potent, concentration-dependent activity. At 100% concentration, the ethyl acetate extract produced significant zones of inhibition against S. aureus (23.82 ± 0.07 mm) and E. aerogenes (15.10 ± 0.06mm). This selective efficacy is driven by lipophilic monoterpenes (α-terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineole), which alter the biological habitat (Prakriti Vighata) by disrupting microbial membranes, inhibiting quorum sensing, and priming host-mediated antiviral defenses.