Abstract

AN IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ARAGVADHA LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST COMMON SKIN PATHOGENS TO VALIDATE IT'S CLASSICAL INDICATION IN KUSHTHA (OBSTINATE SKIN DISEASES)

Dr. Shailesh Deshmukh*

Abstract

Background & Objective: In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Aragvadha (Cassia fistula Linn.) is classically designated as a premier Kushthaghna (skin disease-destroying) drug. The ancient treatise Charaka Samhita dedicates a specialized chapter (Aragvadhiya Adhyaya) to it's topical efficacy in mitigating obstinate skin conditions grouped under the umbrella term Kushtha. This study aims toper form an in vitro evaluation of Aragvadha leaf extracts using various organic and aqueous solvents against common clinical skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans) to scientifically validate these classical claims. Methods: Dried Aragvadha leaves (Aragvadha Patra) were subjected to sequential solvent extraction utilizing aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic matrices via a Soxhlet apparatus. Qualitative phytochemical screening was executed to isolate secondary metabolites. Antimicrobial profiling was carried out using the Agar Well Diffusion Assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined via microbroth dilution methods. Results: The methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts of Cassia fistula demonstrated potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, generating significant zones of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus (19.4 ± 0.5 mm) and moderate inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(14.2 ± 0.3 mm) at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The extracts showed localized efficacy against fungal isolates of Candida albicans. Phytochemical analysis confirmed an abundance of anthraquinones (such as rhein), flavonoids, and tannins within the active fractions. Conclusion: The experimental data provide empirical validation for the ancient Ayurvedic application of Aragvadha Patra in topical pastes (Lepa) for Kushtha. The presence of bioactive polyphenols and anthraquinones validates its therapeutic role as a natural antimicrobial agent for modern dermatological configurations.

Keywords: Treditional, Aragwadha, Skin, Agar, Antibacterial, Kushtha, Bioactive, Antimicrobial.