Pharmacological Evaluation and Anti-Mycobacterial Potential of AYUSH-Based Bioactive Compounds Against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Abstract

Johne’s disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous disease affecting domestic livestock and has also been associated with autoimmune disorders in humans. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the absence of effective vaccines necessitate alternative therapeutic strategies. The present study investigated the anti-mycobacterial efficacy of an AYUSH-based formulation derived from Ocimum sanctum and Solanum xanthocarpum. Bioactive compounds including ursolic acid and solasodine were evaluated through phytochemical screening, Resazurin microtiter assay (REMA), and molecular docking studies targeting Dephospho-Coenzyme A kinase (DPCK) protein of MAP. Ursolic acid demonstrated superior inhibitory activity with MIC50 value of 12 µg/mL, while solasodine exhibited MIC50 of 60 µg/mL. Molecular docking analysis showed strong ligand–receptor interaction comparable to rifampicin. In vivo immunomodulatory studies revealed enhanced cytokine regulation and splenocyte proliferation in treated rats. Toxicity evaluation demonstrated no significant biochemical or hematological abnormalities. The findings indicate that AYUSH-based bioactive compounds may serve as promising therapeutic candidates against paraTB infection.