Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Unripe Fruit, Ripe Fruit and Bark of Tinduka (Diospyros Embryopteris Pers)

Abstract

Tinduka (Diospyros embryopteris Pers.) is a traditionally used but relatively underexplored medicinal fruit described in Ayurvedic classical texts. Different parts of the plant are attributed with distinct therapeutic applications, including conditions associated with skin disorders, allergic manifestations and other infections. The anti-microbial potential of different stages and parts of Tinduka, however, warrants systematic comparative evaluation. Objective: The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of unripe fruit, ripe fruit and bark of Tinduka (Diospyros embryopteris Pers.) against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Methods: Three samples of Tinduka- Sample A (unripe fruit), Sample B (ripe fruit) and Sample C (bark)- were subjected to extraction using ethanol, methanol and chloroform. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the extracts was evaluated against Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3906), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Streptococcus pneumoniae (MTCC 655), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Candida albicans (MTCC 227) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) using an appropriate in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility assay. Results: The extracts demonstrated variable antimicrobial activity across the tested microorganisms, with differences observed according to the plant part, stage of fruit maturity and extraction solvent. The results of this study showed that the unripe fruit extracts showed better anti-microbial action followed by the bark and then ripe fruit. Also, the alcoholic extracts (methanol and ethanol) exhibited better antimicrobial action against the selected microbes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of different parts and maturity stages of Tinduka, with variation in activity according to the extraction solvent and test organism. The comparative findings provide preliminary scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of Tinduka and may serve as a basis for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.