Among bacteria, there is one called Pseudomonas aeruginosa that doctors fear because in recent years it has become resistant to many classes of antibiotics. The infections caused by this bacteria are therefore increasingly difficult to treat. However, a study from the University of Surrey (Great Britain) shows that one of the compounds in green tea could support antibiotics in their action against the bacteria.
A serious threat to health
In their study, published in the journal Microbiology, the researchers evaluated the effectiveness of epigallocatechin in combination with aztreonam, an antibiotic reserved for severe infections with sensitive Gram (-) bacteria. They believe this compound in green tea facilitates increased absorption antibiotic by increasing the permeability of the bacteria.
“Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to global public health. There is an urgent need to develop new antibiotics, but natural products such as epigallocatechin, used in conjunction with currently approved antibiotics, could be a way to improve their effectiveness and duration of life. clinically useful life, ”says Dr. Jonathan Betts, lead author of this study.
Read also:
- Antibiotics: when should you really take them?
- Excess antibiotics also affect waterways
- Antibiotic-resistant superbug has migrated out of hospital
