HERBAL BASED ANTI-MICROBIAL BOOSTER FOR THE TREATMENT OF RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) attributable to resistant strains has increased the burden leading to poor quality of life to the patients. Drugs of herbal origin have been identified as potential sources of new anti-tubercular agents for the treatment of this disease and emerging resistant strains of the bacterium. In this research, therefore, five herbs/plants that have been indicated in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the traditional/folklore medicine were evaluated for their potential use in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Garcinia kola, Picralina nitida, Mitracarpus villosus, Vernonia amygdalina and Securidaca longipedunculata were assessed for their anti-tubercular activity using standard methods. G. kola and V. amygdalina having better activity were assessed for their synergistic activity. Doses displaying in-vivo activity were established. The activity of the synergistic mix with Rifampicin was evaluated in a resistant Mtb strain. Two plants; G. kola (MIC of 125 mg/ml) and V. amygdalina (MIC of 250 mg/ml) performed better than others. The synergistic ratios of V. amygdalina, G. kola of 1:1, 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1 produced enhanced activity. An 8:1 ratio mix dose of 2500 mg/kg and above exhibited anti-tubercular activity ex-vivo. The plasma concentration of the hybrid mix interacted with Rifampicin to exhibit anti-tubercular activity in a resistant strain of the bacterium. V. amygdalina and G. kola in suitable ratio exerts synergistic anti-tubercular activity and interacts with Rifampicin to inhibit resistant tubercular bacilli growth.