Effect of herb extracts on growth of probiotic cultures

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of four herbs viz. Arjuna, ashwagandha, puthkanda and shalampanja on growth characteristics of probiotic cultures. Effect of herb extract on growth characteristics of probiotic bacteria viz. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus was determined. It was found that Arjuna and ashwagandha inhibit growth of Lactobacilus bulgaricus, however puthkanda and shalampanja increased growth of Lactobacilus bulgaricus or supportive to their growth, however in case of Streptococcus thermophilus all herbs showed inhibitory effects.