Antimicrobial activity of ‘Qurs-afsanteen’: A classical Unani tablet formulation prepared from Artemisia absinthium

Abstract

Qurs-afsanteen contains many constituents including Artemisia absinthium L. This tablet is being prescribed in various types of fevers, liver diseases, dysuria and malarial fever since decades. Some species of Artemisia herb also contains antimalarial agents and its antimicrobial activities have been evaluated in vitro. A plant derived antibiotic may be a possible alternative to modern antibiotics and at the same time can minimize the economic constrain of the hectic process of drug development. Materials and Methods: The ingredients of the test compound were procured from authentic dealer by Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM) Srinagar. The dosage form was prepared as per standard procedure in the department of pharmacy, Institute of Asian Medical Sciences Zakura Srinagar. The extract was dissolved in DMSO4 and subject to antimicrobial evaluation at the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Kashmir. Results: Results obtained in the present study showed that the test drug Qurs-afsanteen possesses promising antimicrobial activity against the selected microbes. The zone of inhibition of the test drug against the S. typhi was highest (32milimeters) and good against E. coli (20mm). Conclusion: As the antibacterial activity of the test drug was promising, it may validate the classical claims about use of this drug in case of various infective conditions and further studies are mandated.