Abstract

Overview of the Study

The high frequency electromagnetic (EM) waves are increasingly recognized as significant environmental contaminants due to the expansion of radio towers to meet telecommunication needs. This study explores the impact of EM waves on the antimicrobial efficacy of important medicinal plants.

Key Findings

• Medicinal plants, specifically Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), were researched.
• The plants were exposed to 900 MHz EM waves with a magnetic field of 1.9 mG.
• Initial results showed an increase in antimicrobial activity, with Tulsi showing a 63.26% and Brahmi a 50% increase in their ability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth shortly after exposure.
• However, prolonged exposure (144 hours) resulted in a significant decrease in this antimicrobial potential, indicating potential long-term negative effects.

Conclusions

The study highlights the dual effects of EM waves on medicinal plants, where short-term exposure boosts antimicrobial activity, possibly as a natural defense mechanism, while longer exposure significantly impairs this property. These findings suggest a complex interaction between EM fields and biological functions in plants, underscoring potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to EM radiation.