Chestnut Extract Disables MRSA - disables bacterial toxins

[natasa778]

http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/a-not-so-old-chestnut-extract-disables-mrsa/81251655/

... researchers at Emory University have observed that extracts from the leaves of the European, or sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa), contain compounds with the ability to disarm pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers found that the leaf extract was rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, which block microbial virulence without increasing resistance.

"We've identified a family of compounds from this plant that have an interesting medicinal mechanism," explained Cassandra Quave, Ph.D., assistant professor of ethnobotany at Emory University. "Rather than killing staph, this botanical extract works by taking away staph's weapons, essentially shutting off the ability of the bacteria to create toxins that cause tissue damage. In other words, it takes the teeth out of the bacteria's bite."

even better ...

"We've demonstrated in the lab that our extract disarms even the hyper-virulent MRSA strains capable of causing serious infections in healthy athletes," Dr. Quave said. "At the same time, the extract doesn't disturb the normal, healthy bacteria on human skin. It's all about restoring balance."

goes on to talk about quorum sensing (recently discussed here @anciendaze )

The investigators were able to show that the extract inhibited the ability of staph bacteria to communicate with each other—a process known as quorum sensing. MRSA uses this quorum sensing signaling system to manufacture toxins and ramp up its virulence.

"We were able to trace out the pathways in the lab, showing how our botanical extract blocks quorum sensing and turns off toxin production entirely," Dr. Quave stated. "Many pharmaceutical companies are working on the development of monoclonal antibodies that target just one toxin. This is more exciting because we've shown that with this extract, we can turn off an entire cascade responsible for producing a variety of different toxins."

The researchers were excited by their results and are looking to further refine the mixture, with the hope of taking the extract into clinical studies in the near future.

 

[alex3619]

This is a good find if clinically validated. One in three now carry MRSA. Not killing the bacteria may limit development of tolerance because selection pressure may be much less, so the treatment may work for a very long time, unlike antibiotic therapy.