Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: August | Volume: 9 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 229-238
Evaluation of the Effect of Haridra (Turmeric) on Leech Gut Flora: A Metagenomics Study
Dr Rajneesh V Giri1, Dr. D Gururaja Tantry2, Dr. Premalatha Shetty3, Dr. Vishwanatha4, Dr. Shyamprasad5
1Professor and Head, Department of Post Graduate studies in Shalyatantra, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Kuthpady, Udupi- 574118
2Professor, 5Associate Professor,
Department of Post Graduate studies in Shalyatantra, Muniyal Institute of Ayurveda Medical Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka
3Scientist, 4Senior Research Officer,
Department of Biotechnology & Microbiology, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Centre for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi
Corresponding Author: Dr Rajneesh V Giri
ABSTRACT
Sushruta has advocated blood letting (Raktamokshana) as one of the main treatment measures especially using leeches (Jalukavacharana), for the management of inflammation, abscess, cellulitis, wounds, ulcers, skin diseases etc. Various recent research studies have reported infection at the site of leech-bite wound, resulting in septicemia in untreated patients. Leech bite site was commonly infected with the bacterial species, which necessitated prophylactic antibiotic cover. But before Jalukavacharana, Sushruta has described a method of preparing or detoxifying the leeches in Haridra (turmeric) water for a period of 45 minutes before it is used on a patient. Four batches of gut samples from both Haridra treated and untreated leeches were subjected to metagenomics study. Total count of gut flora in Haridra treated leeches was found to be lower in comparison to the gut flora in untreated leeches in three of these batches. Count of bacterial species belonging to phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, especially the members belonging to proteobacteria was lower in the gut samples obtained from treated leeches.
Key words: Haridra, Hirudotherapy, Jalukavacharana, Metagenomics, Proteobacteria