G. Bhuvaneshwaran,
- CRRI, Homoeopathy (BHMS), Department of Practice of Medicine, Homoeopathy (BHMS), Excel Homoeopathy Medical College, Komarapalayam, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Background: The most common bacterial infections are Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), primarily caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a gram negative bacterium responsible for 80-90% of community-acquired UTIs. The rise of antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains has increased the demand for Homoeopathic remedies. This study explores the antibacterial efficacy of Uva ursi 200 and Cantharis vesicatoria 200, using Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method, by comparing the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) of those remedies against E. coli to validate the traditional way of treatment in Homoeopathy. Objectives 1. To isolate and identify uropathogenic E. coli from different urine samples of UTI patients. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Uva ursi 200 and Cantharis Vesicatoria 200 against uropathogenic E. coli using the Kirby- Bauer Disc Diffusion Method and also to compare their antibacterial activity by paired t-statistics test. Methodology Sample collection: Midstream urine samples from 10 UTI patients were collected at Excel Homoeopathy Medical Hospital. Transport and Storage: Samples were transported within 30 minutes and stored at 4°C for upto 4 hours in Laboratory, to prevent bacterial overgrowth. Microscopy: Presence of pus cells and bacteria on Direct Microscopic examination was examined in uncertifuged sample. Culture: E. coli cultured and confirmed using Chromocult Coliform Agar (CCA) and Sorbitol Mac-Conkey Agar (sMAC). Biochemical Tests: Indole Test and Methyl Red (MR) Test were performed. Testing Method: Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion applied to Muller-Hinton Agar plates. Antibacterial Agents: Uva ursi200, Cantharis vesicatoria200, Standard antibiotic (Amoxicillin) as a control and Dispensing alcohol as a negative control Measurement: Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) recorded and compared statistically using a paired t-test. Results Mean ZOI: Uva ursi200: 15.30 mm, Cantharis vesicatoria200: 12.9 mm. Statistical Analysis: Paired t-test yielded p = 0.002 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference. Key Findings: Uva ursi200 exhibited a larger ZOI than Cantharis vesicatoria200. Discussion Efficacy of Uva ursi200: Contains arbutin, which metabolizes into hydroquinone, exhibiting strong antibacterial properties. Efficacy of Cantharis vesicatoria200: Traditionally used for UTIs, but showed a lower ZOI compared to Uva ursi200. Homoeopathic Principles: Supports the Law of Similia and Doctrine of Drug Dynamisation, as high dilutions still demonstrated antibacterial activity. Comparison with Standard Antibiotic: The study suggests potential use of Homoeopathic remedies as alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Conclusion Both Uva ursi200 and Cantharis vesicatoria200 exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli with more significant effect in Uva ursi200. This study supports further investigation into homoeopathic treatments with larger sample sizes, clinical trials, and testing on different bacterial strains are recommended.
Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections, Escherichia coli, Uva ursi200, Cantharis vesicatoria200, Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method, Zone of Inhibition.
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Research & Reviews : A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy
| Volume | 13 | |
| 03 | ||
| Received | 02/03/2026 | |
| Accepted | 30/07/2026 | |
| Published | 31/07/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 151 Days |