Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered that curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric's bright yellow color, may help reduce antibiotic resistance.

Researchers have discovered that curcumin, when provided to bacteria as a food source and then exposed to light, can trigger deadly reactions within the microbes. This process has been shown to effectively kill bacteria, decrease antibiotic-resistant strains, and restore the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics.

Recently, it has also shown promise in treating indigestion and may prove to be more effective than omeprazole, the conventional over-the-counter remedy for stomach acid issues.

The results of the study are published in the journal Scientific Reports.

The challenge of superbugs

Antibiotics have significantly increased the average human lifespan by 23 years and dramatically reduced deaths caused by infectious diseases. However, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a slowdown in the development of new antibiotics have led to the emergence of superbugs. These superbugs are difficult to treat and have caused infectious diseases to reemerge as a significant threat. If left unchecked, infectious diseases could once again become the leading cause of human mortality, potentially resulting in 10 million deaths annually.

"When bacteria start becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics, we have what we call an antibiotic catastrophe," said Dr Vanderlei Bagnato, senior author of the study.

"To overcome this challenge, we need alternative ways to either kill the superbugs or find a novel way to modify natural processes within the bacteria so that antibiotics start to act again."

Bacterial populations naturally vary, which leads to differences in how cells behave, like how they respond to antibiotics. This variation can play a role in antibiotic resistance, as some bacteria may survive treatment and keep multiplying. Because of this, researchers are working on ways to manage bacterial differences to help reduce antibiotic resistance.

Combating bacterial resistance

Researchers are exploring the potential of photodynamic inactivation to combat bacterial resistance. This technique employs light and photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species, which can destroy microorganisms by disrupting their metabolic processes. The team used curcumin, a natural food source for bacteria, as a photosensitizer in their experiments on Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to amoxicillin, erythromycin, and gentamicin.

The minimum concentration of antibiotics needed to kill the bacteria was compared between bacteria exposed to many cycles of light and bacteria that were not exposed to light.

"When we have a mixed population of bacteria where some are resistant, we can use photodynamic inactivation to narrow the bacterial distribution, leaving behind strains that are more or less similar in their response to antibiotics," said Bagnato. "It's much easier now to predict the precise antibiotic dose needed to remove the infection."

The team highlighted that photodynamic inactivation with curcumin shows significant potential as a complementary therapy alongside antibiotics for treating diseases, such as pneumonia, that are caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

"Photodynamic inactivation offers a cost-effective treatment option, which is crucial for reducing medical expenses not only in developing countries but also in the United States," said Dr Vladislav Yakovlev, another author of the study.

"It also has potential applications in military medicine, where this technology could be used to treat battlefield wounds and prevent the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, a significant concern in combat situations."

In summary

The active compound curcumin found in turmeric shows potential in the fight against superbugs. By utilizing photodynamic inactivation, curcumin may improve antibiotic efficacy and help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This method offers hope for new treatment strategies to address serious infections, emphasizing the importance of investigating natural compounds in the battle against superbugs.