Validation of environmental disinfection efficiency of traditional Ayurvedic fumigation practices

Abstract

Environmental disinfection greatly reduces the occurrence of nosocomial or healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) which are the major healthcare problems worldwide. In India, Ayurvedic traditional fumigation with natural plant products is used to disinfect environment. In the present study, environmental disinfection efficiency of traditional fumigation practice has been evaluated by using natural plant products such as garlic (Allium sativum) peel, turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder, Carom (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds (Ajwain) and Loban (resin of Styrax benzoin and Boswellia species). The efficiency of traditional fumigation using these natural products to disinfect air and surface was evaluated. The effect of traditional fumigation on the microbiological quality of air was revealed by active air sampling. In addition, the ability of the traditional fumigation using garlic peel to disinfect inanimate surface was evaluated using three strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Glass slide was artificially contaminated with the bacteria and fumigated whereas non-fumigated slide served as control. The control and fumigated slides were analyzed for surviving bacteria and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Traditional fumigation performed separately with three grams of garlic peel, turmeric, carom seeds and loban powder reduced the average air borne bacterial colony forming units (cfu)/m3 compared to non-fumigated control. The SEM analysis showed reduced number of bacteria in garlic peel fumigated surface samples. The results of the study strongly suggested that the traditional Ayurvedic fumigation with natural plant products is effective in reducing air-borne bacteria and in disinfecting inanimate surfaces. The traditional fumigation with herbal products has huge potential to address the problem of nosocomial infections.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Home Remedies for Immunity Boosting

“…Study on the use of Garlic (Allium sativum), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi) seeds and Loban (resin of Styrax benzoin and Boswellia species), Guggulu ( Commi lora waghatti), Neem leaves found useful for disinfection of home premises for covid 19 like conditions (Bhatwalkar et al, 2019).…”

Review on Role of Dhoopan in the prevention of airborne infections (COVID-19)

“…by spreading pleasant aroma to ill in the air (Tambekar and Dahikar, 2010). The action of these drugs has been proven the ef icacy for maintenance of health as well as prevention of diseases as they are anti-microbial (Anantkumar and Shekokar, 2013;Bhatwalkar et al, 2019). Their bifurcation has been done as per Samhita (Charak, Sushrut, Ashtang Hridaya and Sangraha), diseases, indications and con irmed action with references as shown in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4.…”

“…Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (MRSA 1-3) are the commonest microbes causing HAI or nosocomial infections. (Bhatwalkar et al, 2019) a study has proved to kill these bacteria to a great extent with Dhoop of Rason peels, Loban, Carom seeds/Ajmoda and Curcuma longum. (Braithwaite et al, 2008) and (Yassin and Almouqatea, 2010) study has evaluated the ef icacy of herbal fumigation having Devdaru in airborne infections (Nautiyal et al, 2007;Bisht et al, 1988).…”

A Review to Summarize the Available Evidences on Turmeric's (Curcuma Longa) Medicinal Properties to Understand the Scope of Its Efficacy in the Treatment and Prevention of Covid19 Diseases.

“…The ease of availability and acceptance of these plant products could be utilized as a cheap and effective alternative in treating throat or respiratory tract infections. [22]As Dhupana method is safe, economical and Turmeric/Haridra is antiviral and antibacterial in nature, Turmeric Dhupana /fumigation might strike effective for covid-19 infection and study could be lead to evaluate the efcacy. Dhumpan is inhaling medicated smoke or herbal smoking is one of the important treatment procedures in diseases of the nose and respiratory pathway which is also a part of dinacharya-daily regimen for healthy persons for the maintenance of health in ayuved.…”