Natural Antibacterial Research

The Science Of It All

We are currently on the brink of a post-antibiotic era, prompting global scientific efforts to seek the next generation of antibiotics. This involves extensive exploration of essential oils and natural plant chemicals, also known as phytochemicals.

It is interesting to note, that bacterial, viral, and fungal cells have never developed resistance to natural antiseptics. My Panakea Antiseptic Cream and Breathe Easy contain 100% natural ingredients, making them safe for you, your loved ones, and the environment.

Panakea Antiseptic Cream, and Breathe Easy, is the culmination of 50 years of work and experience in Natural Health. After years and years of research and experimentation, I have discovered the secrets of antiseptic plants and essential oils and searched the world for the highest quality suppliers. I am excited to bring these products to you and offer solutions for you and your family in this post-antibiotic world.

In the context of few innovative or new antibiotics in the drug development pipeline, the WHO describes a future of a post-antibiotic world and warns that not only will this eliminate the advances in healthcare made over the past 100 years, which have ensured longer life in most parts of the developed and developing worlds, but it may also result in simple infections becoming unmanageable and potentially fatal [World Health Organization, 2012a, 2012b]."

It is crucial to remember that we're facing a significant challenge in developing new drugs to fight multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. This rise in antimicrobial resistance is leading to more severe infections, complications, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. Overprescribing of antibiotics is a major issue in primary care, especially considering that viruses, rather than bacteria, are the cause of most infections.

"The United Kingdoms Chief Medical Officer has highlighted the need for clinicians to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics by giving clear evidence-based guidance on their appropriate use [Department of Health, 2012] and has stated that we are losing the battle against infectious diseases. Antibiotics may no longer be effective in the long term [Davies et al. 2013]".

"Estimates indicate globally, that 3.7% of new cases and 20% of previously treated cases of tuberculosis are caused by strains that are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin. For decades, these anti-tuberculosis agents have been effective against tuberculosis, but today the effect is insufficient.

Nowadays, only one-half of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is effectively treated with the existing drugs [World Health Organization, 2014]. Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (defined as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis plus resistance to any fluoroquinolone and any second-line injectable drug) has been identified in 84 countries globally [World Health Organization, 2013]."

Historically Indigenous people around the world have been using essential oils benefits of leaves such as oregano, thyme and fir needle for their antibacterial success. Australian First Nation people have been including Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon Myrtle and Kakadu Plum as antiseptic remedies for thousands of years 12 13 14 15. Tea Tree Oils main antimicrobial activity is attributed mainly to terpinen-4-ol, a major component of the oil. The First Nations people of America and Canada have similarly been harvesting Pine Needle for the same purpose 16 17."

Scientific research of Essential oils illustrates they contain powerful phytochemicals such as Polyphenols, Linalool, Terpenes and Eugonol, that affect gram-positive and negative bacterial and viral cells. Among opportunistic hospital strains, Linalool is most active against Gram-negative bacteria. Terpenes are compounds with significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. 19 20

Its fascinating how essential oils like Eucalyptus and Pine Needle, can help boost the immune system, by boosting your white blood cell count to fight infections. The fact that these oils can also destroy biofilms is truly impressive and highlights their potential in overcoming infections.

Frankincense resin contains boswellic acid, known for being rich in triterpenic acids, and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, to treat inflammatory conditions. Apart from the potential anticancer activity of boswellic acids, it has also been shown to have anti-staphylococcal, and bio-film inhibitory activities. 42

Inhalation through a medical nebulizer, diffuser, or direct, can have a positive effect on lung infections, helping to loosen and clear out mucus, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory to relieve congestion.

EOs constitute a significant source of innovative therapeutic agents isolated from different plant species that contain compounds such as polyphenols, terpines, lectins, polypeptides, alkaloids, phenols, and quinine. These have shown potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. EOs and their components may interact with protein synthesis, enzymes, or cofactors and inhibit viral DNA or RNA synthesis.

Many plant-based EOs, extracts, and individual phytochemical ingredients, have been demonstrated to possess antiviral efficiency against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses 23. There appear to be multiple mechanisms for antiviral action of plant-derived antimicrobials. Nevertheless, the majority of these antimicrobials appear to act either directly on the virus or bacteria itself (e.g., on the envelope or capsid) or during the early stages of virus replication following internalization of the virus into its host cell.

EOs and their active phytochemicals were extensively studied against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), SARS-CoV-2, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), coxsackievirus (CV), enterovirus (EV71), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza virus (H1N1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 25

Evidence from several in vitro studies has formed the basis for the potential antiviral efficacy of essential oils. In addition, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, bronchodilator, and immune-modulatory activities are also mentioned in the Ayurveda literature.

Therefore, EOs could be useful as a prophylactic, adjunctive, alternative, or as an integrated approach to decrease the morbidities associated with COVID-19 and enhancing host immunity against SARS-CoV-2 [6,7]. Thus far, the antiviral activity of these phyto-pharmaceuticals is studied only with the help of in vitro studies. The literature lacks its translational value assessment in patients affected with infectious diseases.

Many herbs also contain phytochemicals with antibacterial properties. Plantain has been used in America and Canada for thousands of years. The First Nations People of Australia have been using Kakadu Plum, which is best known for its high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C supports and strengthens the bodys immune response by powering up white blood cells to fight infection. Kakadu Plum has the highest recorded natural amount of vitamin C of any food in the world. 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of the fruit provides well over 3,000% of your daily needs. Kakadu plum is also rich in ellagic acid, a type of organic acid.

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol known for its strong antioxidant properties 8 9. It has been associated with numerous health benefits, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects 10. For instance, studies on animals and in test tubes have demonstrated that ellagic acid can inhibit tumour growth and induce cell death in tumours associated with different types of cancers 11. Recent studies indicate it may be involved in destroying biofilms.

Golden Seal was traditionally used to treat infections. Scientists consider the phytochemicals berberine, hydrastine, and canadine to be the active ingredients 1 2 3 4 5. It is often used in combination with Echinacea, a plant native to North America, that has traditionally been used by First Nations People of North America as an effective antimicrobial, by boosting immunity. 21 22.

I am so excited to introduce the Panakea Range of products, the result of 50 years of study, research, and hard work in my clinic. You can trust that these products are designed to empower you to take action to protect your most valuable asset - your health. With confidence, you can incorporate these products into your wellness routine and experience their benefits.

For those curious about more science you can start with the references below and/or type in as a search - Essential Oils + Antibacterial, or Eugonol, Linalool and Terpines + Antibacterial + Antimicrobial.

Refereneces:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3946165/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5309756/
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2221169112602202
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ScienceDirect.com

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Volume 32, March 2022 100546

Gupta, M., Verma, S. K., Singh, S., Trivedi, L., Rout, P. K., Vasudev, P. G., Luqman, S., Darokar, M. P., Bhakuni, R. S., & Misra, L. (2022). Anti-proliferative and antibacterial activity of oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia serrata extract and its isolate 3-hydroxy-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 32, 100546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100546