GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of an Iranian Traditional Medicinal Smoke (Anbarnasara)

Abstract

dung (Anbarnasara) to respiratory tract and burn wound infections. This study evaluates the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Anbarnasara smoke. Methods : The smoke from burning Anbarnasara was collected in a 50%-methanol solution. Following evaporation of methanol at 50ºC, the remaining compound was dissolved in DMSO, and various concentrations (3.1-100 mg/ml) were prepared. The antimicrobial effects of various concentrations (3.1-100 mg/ml) of Anbarnasara smoke solution (ASS) were investigated, using the agar well diffusion method on 15 different microorganisms, including eight standard microorganisms and seven bacteria species from clinical specimens. Also, GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the components in ASS. Results : Antifungal activity on Candida albicans was observed at 6.2- 100 mg/ml of ASS. Among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the most significant inhibition zones belonged to Staphylococcus epidermidis (30.5± 0.70 mm) and Proteus mirabilis (25± 0.00 mm) at 100 mg/ml. GC-MS analysis showed 16 major peak areas, and of identified components, ~50% were phenolic compounds. Conclusion : Our results confirmed the ancient physicians' belief in the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Anbarnasara smoke.