EP_082. Antimicrobial activity of ginger-honey formulation from Malay medical manuscript against respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae

Anis Kautsar Othman¹, Hanani Ahmad Yusof^1*

1. Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Hanani Ahmad Yusof. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Malay Medical Manuscripts (MMM) document valuable historical knowledge on disease treatment, including infectious diseases, as practiced in ancient times. These manuscripts are unique not only for detailing remedies based on natural ingredients but also for specifying preparation and application techniques. Given the ongoing health impact of respiratory tract infections, a formulation from Kitab Perubatan Melayu: al-Rahmah fi al-Tibb wa al-Hikmah, a transliterated MMM was selected to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a key respiratory pathogen. The formulation, which combines ginger and honey water, is traditionally used to treat cough and phlegm, common symptoms of respiratory infections.

OBJECTIVE(S): This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial potential of ginger and honey extract against S. pneumoniae, following the formulation described in the manuscript.

MATERIALS & METHODS:  A formulation documented for respiratory infection was selected and six different solutions were prepared under specific conditions, including boiled and non-boiled ginger and honey water. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using standard Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays.

RESULTS: The highest efficacy was observed in the boiled ginger-honey mixture, which yielded the lowest MIC and MBC values. In contrast, non-boiled ginger extract alone showed the least antimicrobial activity.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that the combination of boiled ginger and honey exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against S. pneumoniae. Both the ingredients and preparation method are critical factors to consider in developing future treatments.

KEYWORDS: Medical Manuscript, Formulation, Antimicrobial Activity, Respiratory Infection, Streptococcus pneumoniae