2015 SSEP National ConferenceThe effectiveness of Curcuma longa

(Turmeric) against bacteria in MicrogravityThomas Edison Energysmart Charter School – 4th Graders

Co-Principal Investigators: Raina Desai, Panav Gala, and Jiya PatelAdvisors: Mrs. Jeffra Schaefer, Mrs. Nishita Desai

Teacher Facilitator: Mrs. Maya Ghosh, TEECS

Historical Background• Many studies show astronauts on long missions are more susceptible to infection. These studies

also show that there is decreased ability to fight infections.

• Antibiotic resistance is a big problem and there is a great need for new antibiotics.

• Turmeric has been used for more than 4000 years as an herbal remedy for relieving various ailments including infections.

• Scientists show turmeric to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties in their clinical trials.

• Scientists have discovered that Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help our body fight infections and inflammations.

• That got us thinking, will Curcuma longa turmeric help the astronauts fight infection in Micro-Gravity?

Hypothesis

If we treat E.coli with turmeric it will reduce their growth in microgravity as it does on earth.

Panav Gala Jiya Patel Raina Desai

Scientific Background

There was multiple studies conducted using turmeric against bacteria:

Study #1 - A study was conducted using Turmeric Natural Dye against E. coli. The study showed that Turmeric was effective against E. coli. The zone of inhibition was highest of 15mm with 100ml of Turmeric powder dye, with the lowest zone of inhibition being 7mm with 25 ml of Turmeric powder dye. 4

Study #2 - Per research taking Curcumin, a chemical found in Turmeric might improve symptoms of eye inflammation as well as upset stomach. 5

Study #3 – Aqueous and Ethanolic Turmeric solution were used against E. coli. The study conducted showed both solutions showed zone of inhibition, with highest zone of 10mm with 100 ml.6

Ground Truth Experiment

Plate Treatment Details

Plate # 1 Water Negative control

Plate # 2 Iodine Positive control

Plate # 3 Neosporin Positive control

Plate # 4 Turmeric 20 mg/ml Experimental group

Plate # 5 Turmeric 50 mg/ml Experimental group

Plate # 6 Fresh Turmeric disks Experimental group

ResultsAntibacterial activity of turmeric against E.coli

T20-Turmeric 20 mg/ml T50- Turmeric 50 mg/mlIodine NeosporinWater

Treatments on E.coli Day 1- Zone of inhibition (mm)

Water 0mm

Iodine 2mm

Neosporin 9mm

Turmeric powdered 20 mg/ml 2mm

Turmeric powdered 50 mg/ml 3.5mm

Conclusion

Our hypothesis was supported by our experiment; there was antibacterial effect of turmeric on E.coli

There was a 42% increase in inhibition as the concentration increased from 20mg/mL to 50 mg/mL. The bacteria shows resistance with treatment of water; and Neosporin and iodine positive control showed inhibition. Neosporin inhibits bacteria better than iodine tincture.

For future studies we will try to use Turmeric at higher concentrations and do the experiment in a better controlled environment.

Special Thanks

SSEP Partners:• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM)• Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)• Subaru of America, Inc.

Conference and Launch Event Sponsors• Big Kid Science• NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium

Special Mention• Carnegie Institution of Washington / Carnegie Academy for Science Education• Mr. Oguz Yildiz, Thomas Edison Energy smart Charter School