E. Coli Archives - Amazing Health Advances

The Antimicrobial Properties of Tea Tree and Hemp Seed Oils

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 07:00:34 +0000

Suchandrima Bhowmik via News-Medical – There have been increased demands by consumers for natural compounds capable of enhancing food quality and safety. As a result, many have proposed the substitution of synthetic antioxidants with plant extracts. Bioactive tea tree oil (TTO) and hemp seed oil (HSO) are of particular interest due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Background TTO is obtained from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant of the Myrtle family and is well known for its antimicrobial properties. A tea tree is a tree or shrub that constitutes a papery bark and can grow up to 14 meters in height. This plant originated from Australia and can thrive in mostly warm temperatures. Steam distillation is commonly used for the extraction of active components of the tea tree plant, most of which are terpenes. Following harvest, cold pressing of hemp seeds allows for the extraction of HSO. Cannabidiol (CBD) content in HSO can be either low or high; however, no comparison regarding the bioactivity of HSOs with different CBD contents with that of TTO has been made. Along with the antibacterial properties associated with many plant oils, these extracts are also associated with anti-fungal properties. In fact, some plant oils can resist the adverse impact of harsh chemicals used to sanitize food-processing areas. This has led to an increased demand for improved antimicrobials used in the food industry. Therefore, discovering natural antimicrobials that are not associated with toxic effects is important. Antioxidants are synthetic or natural substances that aid in the neutralization of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). These agents help to avoid oxidative stress that arises due to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can be caused by external factors such as smoking, exposure to the sun without protection, or alcohol consumption. High levels of ROS for long periods can also lead to aging and many chronic diseases. Two plant extracts that are known for their antioxidant properties include sesame oil and vetiver oil. A new Applied Microbiology study compares the antimicrobial activity of HSO and TTO products against pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The researchers also assessed the antioxidant properties of these agents, as well as the existence of any interrelationship between their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. About the Study The current study utilized antimicrobial and antioxidant assays. The antimicrobial assays included time-kill studies, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) evaluation, and the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method for evaluation of antimicrobial properties of the samples. Comparatively, the antioxidant assay was used to determine the concentration of antioxidants in the sample. This assay was done using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity method. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of seven oils, including tea tree, sesame, rosehip, vetiver, pure hemp, organic hemp, and 5% CBD oil, were assessed. Study Findings The onset of bacteria was reported to be six hours, while the highest concentration was observed at 24 hours. The number of bacteria in the TTO group was lower than in the HSO groups. The MIC and disk diffusion method results indicated that out of all oils, TTO exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all three pathogens. The MIC range for TTO was reported to be 8, 2, and 8 mg/mL for S. aureus, S. enteritidis, and E.coli, respectively. The inhibition zones were reported to be 2.19, 1.87, and 2.02 cm against S. enteritidis, S. aureus, and E.coli, respectively. Conversely, 5% CBD oil was found to produce the highest antioxidant activity that was 5.7 times more potent as compared to that of TTO. Pure hemp and organic hemp also showed promising antioxidant properties. Conclusions The current study determined TTO to be the most effective antimicrobial agent against E.coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis. Furthermore, the CBD content of HSOs was found to play an important role in their antioxidant properties. Substances with higher CBD exhibited better antioxidant properties. Therefore, both TTO and CBD plants can be useful in food science studies to make food products safe for consumers. Further research is needed to optimize the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these oils for their use in the food and medical industries. To read the original article click here.

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Manuka Honey Fights Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Plus So Much More

AHA Publisher — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:58 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – The steadily worsening problem of antibiotic-resistant pathogens – cause for grave concern in the medical community – has researchers working overtime to discover solutions. But several studies raise hope that Manuka honey may hold the key to combating MRSA and other drug-resistant strains. In one study conducted at Cardiff Metropolitan University and published in 2012 in Microbiology, researchers moved closer to understanding the mechanisms by which honey inhibits the formation of biofilms – difficult-to-treat communities of bacteria – and helps to clear chronic wounds. Manuka honey Quickly Incapacitates Infection-Causing Bacteria Researchers found that Manuka honey produced in New Zealand and Australia has the ability to attack a common bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, often responsible for chronic infections, as well as the destruction of skin grafts. In fact, it took only modest concentrations of honey to kill 85 percent of the biofilms in a Petri dish – within two hours. And, S. pyogenes isn’t the only pathogen susceptible to honey – numerous studies demonstrate that Manuka honey is antiviral, antifungal, and active against 80 different species of bacteria, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The team noted that there are no instances of any type of honey-resistant bacteria on record. Remarking that honey was both cheaper and safer than conventional drugs, they called for its use as a complementary therapy in conjunction with antibiotics. Manuka Honey Not Only Treats Bacterial Infections – It Can Prevent Them From Developing in the First Place Researchers discovered that honey disrupts the interaction between S. pyogenes and a protein called fibronectin, which exists on the surface of damaged cells. The fibronectin acts as a fixative or glue, allowing bacteria to stick to wounds. Honey disrupts the bond of two different types of fibronectin, known as Sof and Sfbl. But honey is not just a “one-trick pony” when it comes to its tools for fighting infection and healing long-standing wounds. According to research presented in 2014 at the 247th meeting of the American Chemical Society, honey also uses hydrogen peroxide, acidity, and antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols – such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid – to inhibit bacteria. In addition, it employs an osmotic effect, in which its high percentage of sugar draws water from bacterial cells, dehydrating and then killing them. To form biofilms, bacteria use a communication system called quorum sensing; by interrupting this system, honey works as a signal jammer, preventing biofilms from developing. Honey Accelerates Wound Repair Plus So Much More Of course, Manuka honey can be used for more than wound healing. University of Maryland Medical Center reports that it may be taken to alleviate laryngitis, sore throats, pharyngitis, and cough. Honey has also been used in folk medicine and Ayurveda to promote digestion, relieve constipation, and soothe acid reflux. Naturally, you shouldn’t use honey to treat medical conditions unless under the guidance of a trusted medical professional. But, there’s no doubt, raw honey is highly-effective at promoting optimal health. With All the Different Brands and Varieties, How Do I Know Which Honey to Choose? Natural health experts all seem to agree: it’s best to opt for raw, unfiltered organic honey, available in health food stores and online. Manuka honey, of course, is considered the queen of healthful honeys and well worth the extra expense – but local, raw honey can be just as effective in many cases. Avoid filtered “supermarket” honey; many contain antibiotics and (surprise!) high fructose corn syrup. In addition, the bee pollen has been removed. Raw, organic honey, on the other hand, still retains all its vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and pollen. In addition to its potent germ-fighting properties and its value as a safe and trusted home remedy for minor ills, raw honey is a delicious alternative to refined white sugar. So, bottom line, always look for ‘raw’ honey – and buy as local a variety as you can get. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov ScienceDaily.com ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Are Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Weakened in Outer Space?

AHA Publisher — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 07:00:37 +0000

ISRAEL21c Staff via Israel21c – Israel’s Sheba Medical Center sent E. coli bacteria into space on June 18 to test its theory that microgravity in space affects how bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics. Prof. Ohad Gal-Mor, head of Sheba’s Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, created the experiment in collaboration with his Sheba colleague Prof. Galia Rahav and two researchers from Italy. It was sent aboard a SpacePharma micro-laboratory on an Arianespace Vega rocket launched from its Spaceport in French Guiana, carrying 53 micro- and nanosatellites for 21 customers. Resistant bacterial infections kill 700,000 people annually worldwide. A 2019 United Nations report estimated that globally, 10 million people may lose their lives by 2050 due to such infections. Moreover, the reported overuse of antibiotics during the Covid-19 pandemic has further contributed to the mounting resistance to antibiotics on a global scale. The problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide crisis not only for humans but also for livestock and food crops. “At Sheba Medical Center, we already have preliminary data suggesting that microgravity significantly affects antibiotic resistance acquisition from experiments we performed on the ground using a special device that mimics microgravity conditions to some extent,” stated Gal-Mor. “Now we are able to repeat these results under ‘real’ microgravity conditions and see how the conditions in space change this important and universal process. If we understand why microgravity inhibits conjugation [the transfer of resistance plasmids DNA between bacteria], we hope to be able to develop new approaches to prevent this phenomenon in the hospital clinic and beyond.” Gal-Mor said the experiment will also help Sheba understand the risks of infectious diseases in humans traveling to space. Data will flow during the few weeks-long mission; analysis and conclusions are expected within one to two months. Sheba’s experiment is supported by the European Space Agency, Israel Space Agency and Italian Space Agency. Underwriting is provided by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israel’s Ministry of Science and Technology. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Mobile Phones Found to Host Cocktail of Live Germs, Aiding Spread of Diseases

AHA Publisher — Sun, 03 May 2020 07:00:54 +0000

Bond University via Newswise – A new study warns mobile phones could be acting as ‘Trojan horses’ for coronavirus and urges billions of users worldwide to decontaminate their devices daily. Newswise — The research, led by Associate Professor Lotti Tajouri of Bond University, reviewed 56 studies from 24 countries and found phones host a staggering cocktail of live germs. While all the studies predate the current pandemic, the authors say the virus responsible for COVID-19 — SARS-CoV-2 — is probably present on mobile phones and other touch-screen devices of coronavirus sufferers. “Our recommendation is that phones should be decontaminated daily and regularly with either 70 per cent isopropyl or by sanitising with (ultraviolet) devices like PhoneSoap,” the study says. The systematic review found golden staph and E. Coli microbes were among the most common bugs on phones. Dr Tajouri, a biomedical scientist, said mobile devices were ‘five-star hotels with premium heated spas, free buffet for microbes to thrive on’. “They have temperature control, we keep them in our pockets, we are addicted to them,” he said. “We talk into them and deposit droplets that can be full of viruses, bacteria — you name it. “We eat with them, so we give nutrients to micro-organisms. “And nobody — absolutely nobody – washes or decontaminates their phone.” He said people travelled with their phones “and no border officers check them. It surely causes a biosecurity concern. “That’s why mobile phones are Trojan horses. We don’t know that we are carrying the enemy.” Dr Tajouri said phone super-users touched their devices up to 5000 times a day and even the average user handled them an average of three hours a day. “We know from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that 80 per cent of all infections are associated with our hands. “You can wash your hands as many times as you like — and you should — but if you then touch a contaminated phone you are contaminating yourself all over again. Think of your phone as your third hand.” Community transmission could occur when an infected person touched their phone and then a pole on a bus which was grasped by an elderly person, he said. “The extraordinarily fast contagion that has scientists puzzled might reside within these mobile phones spreading COVID-19 everywhere at ultra-speed,” Dr Tajouri said. “After all, they’re everywhere, travelling the world in planes, cruise ships and trains. “Let’s take that hypothesis seriously. If we clean our phones daily and this makes a difference then we might with this little action curve down the COVID-19 epidemic and save lives.” But Dr Tajouri said more research was needed to determine the role contaminated phones were playing in the coronavirus pandemic. To read the original article click here.

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