Studies on Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Siddha Formulation (Thailam - Medicated Oil)

Pongamia pinnata and Boerhaavia diffusa are well-known plants and a weed respectively plays in Indian traditional system of medicine. On the basis of its traditional use and literature references, these herbal plants are undertaken in a view to formulate milder and safer herbal topical formulations. It is prepared in the form of "Thailam" using sesame oil as base for bringing about the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. To satisfy the desired characteristic of an ideal herbal formulation and also to prove its therapeutic potency, the following parameters like physical, chemical and biological evaluation have undertaken to fix the quality. For the antimicrobial studies strains used like S. aureus, B. substilis (Gram +ve), E. coli, P. aeruginosa (Gram-ve) and Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger (Fungi) were used. Antibacterial activity and antifungal activity of the formulated oil was comparatively lesser than that of the standard drug but formulated oil is significantly more than that of sesame oil base (**P<0.01). By using Carrageenin induced hind paw edema method the Anti inflammatory activity was employed and it was noticed that the Thailam had lesser activity than the standard Diclofenac sodium gel (**P<0.01). But significantly more than that of sesame oil base (*P < 0.05), the overall results revealed that it has effectiveness. In conclusion that the formulated oil in the form of Thailam as its own significant properties, hence it can be used as a safer formulation in near future.