Source: Daily Mail
Several plants used in traditional folk medicine contain powerful natural antibiotics that fight bacterial and fungal infections, a study has found.
Researchers in India tested extracts from the plants on microbes taken from the mouths of oral cancer patients.
Eight had a significant impact on the growth of the organisms in the laboratory.
Among the most effective were asparagus, desert date, false daisy, castor oil and fenugreek. Cancer patients were used in the study because they often have impaired immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections by bacteria and fungi.
Of the 40 patients, 35 had compromised immune systems and low white blood cell counts. Several extracts were effective against a wide range of organisms, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus which can cause serious infections in humans.
Several extracts were effective against a wide range of organisms, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus which can cause serious infections in humans.
Scientists hope the herbal remedies might point the way to new treatments for drug-resistant microbes such as the S. aureus ‘superbug’ MRSA.
Read More: How asparagus contains natural antibiotics to fight infections
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