Effect of Curcuma longa on Candida lipolytica isolated from Bovine Mastitis

Amsaveni S1, Bijargi S.R 2 , Ramesh S3 and Hariharan P4

1. Research Fellow 2. Ph.D Scholar 3.Associate Professor 4.Professor and Head

Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai 7

Corresponding Author: amsvet1982@gmail.com

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) application on udder of mastitis affected cows remains an

extensively used traditional treatment method in India. Roots of Curcuma longa is also

administered orally along with sugar as vehicle for treating bovine mastitis. Mastitis caused by

fungi has been increased especially by yeast of genus Candida. The presence of yeasts in udders

of cows with mastitis as well as in healthy cows may be an important factor in the dissemination

of disease. This study was conducted to explore the in-vitro activity of aqueous extract of

Curcuma longa on Candida lipolytica isolated from a clinical case of bovine mastitis. Initially

extract was tested by agar well diffusion method and zone of inhibition was observed at all the

three concentrations of extracts tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration was observed by

Resazurin based micro-broth dilution technique. The MIC of the test extract was 0.078mg/ml.

Amphotericin B was used as control drug. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for

the presence of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and glycosides. The

extract was found positive only for phlobatannins. This study support the folkloric usage of

Turmeric on mastitis affected quarters so that it may prevent the dissemination of the disease to

other animals in the herd.