Antimicrobial activity of different homoeopathic drugs and their potencies against 'Aspergillus niger' In vitro

Background: Homoeopathic remedies are widely used all over the world for different disease conditions. Approximately 70% are derived from the plant; however, their preclinical evaluation is still a major concern. Objective: This study was undertaken with an aim to explore the antimicrobial effect of different homoeopathic drugs and its potencies against the Aspergillus niger. Materials and Methods: Fifteen homoeopathic mother tinctures (Θ) and their potencies (3x, 6x, 12x) were tested for their biological activity against the human pathogenic fungi A. niger using disc diffusion method according to clinical and laboratory standard (CLSIM44-A) with slight modifications. The diameter of zone of inhibition was measured and compared with vehicle control (Alcohol 90%). The experiment was performed twice to check the reproducibility. Results: The marked antifungal activity was observed with Θ of Zingiber officinale; the growth of A. niger was inhibited and showed maximum zone of inhibition up to 15.4 ± 2.88 mm followed by Holarrhena antidysenterica (13.2 ± 1.09) and Terminalia chebula (10.6 ± 1.14). Different potencies (3x, 6x and 12x) were also exhibited significant zone of inhibition, especially Allium cepa 6x (10.4 ± 0.89), Caesalpinia bonducella 6x and 12x (12.8 ± 0.54 and 10.4 ± 1.14, respectively), Eucalyptus globulus 12x (11.3 ± 1.94), Ruta graveolens 12x (15.0 ± 2.23), Thuja occidentalis 6x (10.8 ± 0.83), and Zingiber officinale 3x and 6x (13.0 ± 2.73 and 11.4 ± 2.30, respectively) as compared to control. Conclusion: The findings of study concluded that Θ and potencies can effectively inhibit the growth of A. niger in vitro. This study paves the way for development of homoeopathic antifungal treatments. However, further investigations are required to get more information about the mechanistic approach, their mode of action and in vivo evaluation.