Standardising Methodology and Evaluating the Efficacy of C. Myrrh

Abstract

In ancient times, medicinal plants have been recorded throughout in history. One of these is Commiphora myrrh. This plant is commonly found in the southern part of Arabia, the northeastern part of Africa, in Somalia, and Kenya. It has been used traditionally for treating wounds, mouth ulcers, microbial infections, and inflammatory diseases, and as an antiseptic. This study evaluates in vitro the antimicrobial activity of C. myrrh in various forms, including parchment with Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) combined with C. myrrh, PEO alone, C. myrrh powder, PEO solution, and C. myrrh/PEO solution. A diverse panel of gram-negative E. Coli strains were employed to comprehensively evaluate their responses to these agents. A combination of diffusion assays, broth micro-dilution and time kill assays were used. While the diffusion assays revealed no zones of inhibition, suggesting a lack of antimicrobial activity, Broth micro- dilution and Time-kill assays demonstrated that C. myrrh exhibited antimicrobial potential, particularly at a concentration of 400 mg/ml. their MIC and MBC value was 400 mg/ml. This study suggests that C. myrrh may be found to act as a bacteriostatic agent rather than a bactericidal agent. In addition, this study introduces the novel application of Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) combined with C. myrrh nanofibers as antimicrobial agents. The results of the experiments provide valuable information about C. myrrh's function as an inhibitor of bacterial growth. Also, it emphasises the need for more research and development to uncover the antimicrobial properties of this natural compound. As well as investigations at higher concentrations of C. myrrh. In addition, testing C. myrrh against gram-positive such as Staphylococcus aureus strains to define the efficacy and expand our understanding of myrrh's antimicrobial potential is recommended.