Posts Tagged ‘antibiotic resistant’

Antibiotic resistance strains of bacteria are more than just than MRSA. Every time we turn around we meet the new kid on the block, and each time the danger escalates. Drug development seem to give superpowers to these life-threatening bacteria. The problem seems to be growing too quickly for the pharmaceutical companies. It seems that the drug companies have a working relationship with the infections. The higher the potency of the antibiotic the stronger the bacteria become.

Bacteria

As the bacteria evolve we may be heading for extinction. We live in a challenging times. Creating a way to handle this problem requires new thinking and creative solutions. Antibiotics are losing their luster. Upgrading them may further risk our health. Innovative thinking may manage this scourge better than the drug mentality.

For a society that worries about bacteria, and concentrates on making everything sterile, we seem to be a hot bed for their activity and growth. The evolution of the super bugs are in direct proportion to the aseptically filled syringes, and prescriptive filled antibiotics.

Sanitizing

This is without taking into account hand sanitizers, which are used on just about anything in arms length. The problems is going to grow too quickly unless we put a wrap on sanitizing the planet. Our commercial meat, poultry, produce and dairy supply are become a health hazard thanks to nurturing the big pharma instead of our livestock and vegetation.

Pharmacutical Problem

The pharmaceutical company has put their stamp on every aspect of our lives. This may be the point where we sound the alarm. The potential impact on the quality of our lives isn’t potential anymore, it is here. We have to stop increasingly sponsoring this way of thinking. There is a lot of pressure by consumers for big pharma to save us. This is because of the fear generated by a harmonized network of marketing by the pharmaceutical industry. All treats are either large and global or small and regional but they are all in close proximity to you, and the next blockbuster drug will save you. They may not have drug development down to a science, but they surly have consumer centered marketing down pat.

We need a partnership that gives us a reason to smile, and one that is easy to work with. There are people and companies that it would pay us to sponsor. At this point in time our dollars are sponsoring the companies that are changing the landscape of the planet for the worst.

Coriander Oil

While the scientist ponder the best preclinical drug for eradicating these supper bugs. We already have an arsenal of natural herbs, spices, and plants that can independently eradicate some of the antibiotic resistant bacteria. Case in point, researchers from the university of Beira Interior in Portugal test coriander oil against 12 bacteria strains, including Escherichia Coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus and meticillin-resistant Staphylococuus aureaus(MRSA). All the strains showed reduced growth and most were killed by solutions containing 1.6% coriander oil or less.

The coriander oil damages the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell and its environment. This action inhibits essential processes like respiration, which ultimately leads to the destruction of the bacteria. This is without side effects, unless they manage to put it into clinical drugs. To prevent food-born illnesses, and treat antibiotic resistant infections we have to look outside of the current thinking.

Essential oils are powerful antimicrobial that could potentially combat drug-resistant super-bugs.

Essential Oils

The next-generation of antimicrobial protection may be derived from plants. Essential oils are a cheap and effective first line of defense against infections. It can be used as an intervention in treating microbes responsible for staph infections. With it being both safer than antibiotics it could become a healthy alternative.

Professor Yiannis Samaras and Dr. Effimia Eriotou, from the Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands, in Greece led the research by testing the antimicrobial activity of eight plant essential oils. They found thyme essential’s oil was the most effective, and just about completely eliminated bacteria within 60 minutes.

The essential oils of thyme and cinnamon were found to be particularly efficient antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus a bacteria that is common inhabitant of the skin. Drug-resistant strains such as meticillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are extremely difficult to treat. “Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimize the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging,” said Professor Samaras.

Essential Oil Use

The Greek team believes essential oils have diverse medical and industrial applications. “The oils-or their active ingredients-could be easily incorporated into antimicrobial creams or gels for external application. In the food industry the impregnation of food packaging with essential oils has already been successfully trialed. They could also be included in food stuffs to replace synthetic chemicals that act as preservatives,” they said.

Hibiscus has a range of powerful compounds that prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary track and bladder wall linings. Both the flower and calyx are abundant in a distinct antimicrobial compound that has been shown to inhibit the activity of a host of microbes.

Essential oils can be used in hot or cold compresses for muscle aches and pains. They are used in gargles and mouthwashes. Also, they are used in sore throat remedies as an antiseptic.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has gained in popularity. The most common ones are lavender, myrtle, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, and thyme. The most basic method of administering aromatherapy is direct or indirect such as inhalation of essential oils. Aromatherapy steam devices are commercially available.

Essential oil diffusers, vaporizers can be used to disperse essential oil over large areas. Eucalyptus and tea tree oil are known for their antiseptic qualities and are used to disinfect areas.

Because of their potency, essential oils are diluted in carrier oil before being applied. Aromatherapy is used in health care practices by aromatherapists.

For direct application massage is a therapeutic technique used in conjunction with aromatherapy.