Effectiveness of Traditional Medicinal Vegetables (ulam) against Pathogenic Microorganisms –A Review
A. Z. Nur *
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
S. Komathi
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
M. Fazlina
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ulam is a group of traditional Malaysian medicinal plants which are consumed raw in a meal. Antimicrobial properties of ulam are one of the most significant current discussions among public and scientist. It is always a contradiction among public belief and scientific data about the pharmacological effect ofulam. Hence, various research was anticipated to scientifically prove the medicinal benefit of different ulam. In addition, the factors found to be influencing the antimicrobial activities have been explored in several studies. Hence, this review aims to collect scattered information on antimicrobial effects of ulam that might be beneficial for further isolation of the biologically active compound of this ulam in future.
Keywords: Ulam, antimicrobial, medicinal plant