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Antimicrobial Activity of Herbs in Ayurveda against Urinary Tract Infection -A Review
Authors: Ankush R. Sadavarte and Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi
Number of views: 435
Introduction: Urinary tract infection is the most common siteand stands second after infection
of respiratory tract. It’s prevalence is more in women as compared to men. Approximately 50%
women have infectionof Urinary tract in their life-time. According to Ayurveda, urinary tract
infection can be correlated withMutrakruchhra. InCharakSamhitait is described in
TrimarmiyaadhyayaofChikitsasthana. In modern medicine the antibiotics such as
ciprofloxacin, cefixime, and ceftriaxone are used in the management of Urinary tract infection
but they have many side effects. Antibiotics are not mentioned in Ayurveda. But some
herbshave antimicrobial activity. Hence they can be used in management ofUrinary Tract
Infection. Aims & objectives: To review the herbs having antimicrobial activity in Ayurveda
againstUrinary Tract Infection. Methodology: All Bruhatrayi, Laghutrayi, modern text books
and various research articles were reviewed and analyzed.Observation and Result:Research
studies conducted on Gokshur (Tribulusterrestrislinn), Varuna (Crataevanurvala), Shigru
(Moringaoleifera), Manjishtha (Rubiacordifolia), Anantmul (Hemidesmusindicus), Gulkhair
(Malvasylvestris), Jambu (Psidiumgujava,) Punarnava( Boerhaaviadiffusa), Vidari (Ipomoea
mauritiana)andNeem(Azadirachtaindica) etc proved their antimicrobial activity. Among these
most of the studies are in vitro studies. Hence these herbs can be used in management of
Urinary Tract Infection. Conclusion: From this review it can be said thatGokshur,
Varun,Shigru,Jambu, Punarnava,Vidari,Anantamul, Manjishtha, Bhumyamalaki, Dadim and
Neemhave wide range of antimicrobial activity hence they can be effectively used in urinary
tract infection.