An in-vitro study to analyze the effect of Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.) on turbidity and microbial load of drinking water

Abstract

Acharya Charaka highlights ‘Udakam Ashvasakaranam’ to underscore the importance of water in daily life. The 2021 World Water Development Report by UNESCO indicates that over 8,29,000 individuals die annually from diseases linked to poor drinking water and sanitation, with almost 37.7 million people in India impacted by waterborne diseases each year. Susruta Samhita states that flowers like Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC.), Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.), Champaka (Michelia champaca L.), and Utpala (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) can be utilized for water purification. Studies indicate that Nagakesara shown bactericidal action against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Considering all these factors, the current study was designed to do an in-vitro analysis of the impact of Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.) on the turbidity and microbiological load of drinking water. The findings of the MPN Presumptive test indicate that, at the measured concentration and duration, Nagakesara flowers exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. MIC findings indicated bactericidal impact at the investigated concentrations, with only the Hima Kalpana (cold infusion) of the flower exhibiting growth suppression against bacterial strains. The study found that there was no discernible decrease in turbidity. However, it shows the limited impact of Nagakesara reducing water turbidity rather than increasing it. These findings suggest that the flowers of Nagakesara possess antibacterial properties, primarily bacteriostatic (inhibitory) and bactericidal (bacteria-killing).