A molecule found in green tea can make a common antibiotic more efficient. When researchers administered the natural compound in combination with the antibiotic, it was able to kill an antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Multiple studies have focused their investigation on the compound known as Epigallocatechin (EGCG). Green tea contains very high levels of it, which scientists speculate may be the reason for the drink's many health benefits.
For the new study, the team wanted to know if EGCG could enhance the effect of the antibiotics, especially when it comes to fighting very strong bacterial pathogens. They wanted to test the new treatment on pseudomonas aeruginosa - a dangerous pathogen that is resistant to many antibiotics. It has become a cause for concern across the globe.
After conducting laboratory tests, the study's results showed this combo worked well to effectively kill the pathogen laboratory tests. “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global public health,” study author Jonathan Betts told a news portal. Adding, “Without effective antibiotics, the success of medical treatments will be compromised. We urgently need to develop novel antibiotics in the fight against AMR. Natural products such as EGCG, used in combination with currently licensed antibiotics, may be a way of improving their effectiveness and clinically useful lifespan.”
Researchers have yet to determine why EGCG gives aztreonam a boost. One hypothesizes is that it may increase antibiotic permeability in the bacteria. However, further research is needed to fully explore the impact.
“The World Health Organization has listed antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a critical threat to human health,” Roberto La Ragione, who is also part of the new research, told a news portal. Adding, “We have shown that we can successfully eliminate such threats with the use of natural products, in combination with antibiotics already in use. Further development of these alternatives to antibiotics may allow them to be used in clinical settings in the future.”
Despite the promising findings, researchers point out that they still don't know what amount of EGCG is required to get the benefits. Previous research has found high doses of the green tea compound are required to get positive results.
The findings could one day help scientists develop better treatments to tackle resistant bacteria.
The study's findings were originally published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology.
