Myths about herbal antimicrobials:
One of the most important myths is that herbal drugs are more effective than conventional antimicrobials. The second is that they are broad spectrum. The third is that there is no emergence of resistance in microbes for herbal antimicrobials. The fourth is that they are safer than antibiotics. Fifth is that herbal antimicrobials are compatible with other food ingredients. However, as I have said they are all myths and not the whole reality.
Herbal drugs are more effective than conventional antimicrobials: Studies have revealed that barring a few (Carvacrol from Oregano oil, thyme oil, ajowan oil, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon and cinnamon oil) they are less effective than common antibiotics1-4. Besides, herbal antimicrobials are very less effective qualitatively having mostly non-achievable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) i.e. bio-availability in our body system in low and limit their utility mostly as a topical or local antimicrobial. Moreover, toxicity studies are very few to justify their systemic use.
Herbal drugs are broad spectrum in their activity: It is not the fact, only a few are really broad-spectrum especially those containing cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol, others have narrow-spectrum in their antimicrobial activity1-6. A few are more active against Gram-positive bacteria (Sandalwood oil, Kalonji seed oil), some are effective on yeasts and molds (Lemongrass oil) and some are on Gram-negative bacteria (thyme oil) only.
There is no emergence of resistance in microbes for herbal antimicrobials: in support of this myth, several arguments are put including the multicomponent structure of herbs. However, the truth is the same as for antibiotics, resistance to herbal antimicrobials and multiple herbal antimicrobial resistance (MHAR) is as common as multiple antibiotic drug resistance (MDR)5-6.
Herbal antimicrobials are safer than antibiotics: In real no, such comparison has been made and the adverse effect of herbal antimicrobials can be known from their users. The biggest drawback is their ineffectiveness; millions have lost their lives for infectious diseases in the pre-antibiotic era dependent on herbal antimicrobials. The high MIC of herbs is another concern limiting their use as therapeutic agents1-6.
Herbal antimicrobials are compatible with other food ingredients: This is also a sheer perception; recent ongoing studies have revealed that herbal antimicrobials may have synergy or antagonism with other food and drug components. The most effective herbal antimicrobials (carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) become inactive in presence of saturates fats, may have synergy with some antimicrobials as carbapenems, nitrofurans, polymyxins etc.
Therefore, accepting herbal antimicrobials as future armament against pathogenic microbes is premature and need lot many studies. However, herbs may be the source of several useful antimicrobial compounds which may lead to a formulation of useful medicines.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6638451428693957679#editor/target=post;postID=7782960501644334840;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname
I think that any statement referring to herbal antimicrobials as a whole is invalid. Either a particular preparation has a certain property or it has not. It does not matter whether it is of herbal origin or of any other.
For more information please visit this article
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/27695634
Kindly click this link .You will change your concept on herbal remedies.
http://curing-fungal.blogspot.com
Also click this link and you will reshape your ideas
http://scientifichomeremedies.blogspot.com
Thanks to all who have responded, however, my point is largely ignored. I have not condemned the utility of herbal antimicrobials but they may also have similar risks as associated with conventional antimicrobials specifically emergence of drug resistance and the biggest issue is the systematic evaluation in well controlled studies.
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