Antimicrobial activity of a polyherbal formulation Ambrex

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Ambrex, a polyherbal formulation, against distinct microorganisms. Ambrex is a mixture of four herbs namely Withania somnifera, Orchis mascula, Pistacia lentiscus, Cycas circinalis with amber (a resin from Pinus succinifera). The aqueous extract of ambrex showed significant antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella Flexneri, Pseudomonas putida and Candida albicans. In the antimicrobial well diffusion assay, substantial inhibition was observed with Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. The antibacterial activity of Ambrex was comparable with that of the standards cifran and streptomycin. It also showed potent inhibition of the Candida Albicans and the effect is comparable to fluconazole. In summary, the present study demonstrated the potential antimicrobial activity of Ambrex, a polyherbal formulation.