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From: rpautrey2 on 2 Aug 2008 12:22
Garlic Compound Effective Against Killer MRSA ‘Superbugs’ – New
Evidence
23.12.2003




A compound extracted from garlic is effective against even the most
antibiotic-resistant strains of MRSA, the killer ‘hospital superbug’,
and can cure patients with MRSA-infected wounds within weeks,
according to new research by microbiologist Dr Ron Cutler of the
University of East London (UEL).

In a paper to be published in the New Year, Dr Cutler, an expert in
the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts, claims that allicin -
a compound that occurs naturally in garlic – kills not only
established varieties of MRSA, but also destroys the new generation of
‘super-superbugs’ that have evolved resistance to Vancomycin and
Glycopeptides, the powerful antibiotics widely considered to be the
last line of defence against MRSA.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) now causes an
estimated 2,000 deaths in UK hospitals each year mainly through
secondary infection of surgical wounds. Though MRSA organisms can live
harmlessly in humans and are carried in the nasal passages and on the
skin, they can cause fatal infection in immune-suppressed patients,
the elderly, the young and those with surgical implants.

Doctors have become increasingly alarmed over the past few months by
the emergence in UK hospitals of new generations of resistant strains
of MRSA known as VISAs, and GISAs (Vancomycin or Glycopeptide
resistant Staphylococcus aureus). MRSA has also become endemic in many
hospitals, especially in London and the South-East, prompting the NHS
to review its hygiene procedures.

Dr Cutler, recently proved that allicin destroys the MRSA microbe in
laboratory trials, has now teamed up with a new company, Allicin
International, to develop topical treatments to prevent MRSA
infection. The group have developed a nasal cream, oral capsules and
soaps that have proved effective against both MRSA and GISA.

In partnership with colleagues in the NHS, Dr Cutler is now embarking
on a major clinical trial involving around two hundred volunteers,
including patients at several hospitals in London and the South East.

Dr Cutler said: "The trials we have conducted so far show that this
formulation is highly effective against MRSA, and it could save many
lives. This finding is backed up by initial findings a number of
recent case studies. We have been trying to set up a clinical trial
for many months now, and at last we have secured funding from sources
including Allicin International.

“MRSA is causing a genuine crisis in our hospital system in Britain
and worldwide. Antibiotics are increasingly ineffective, but we do
have a powerful natural ally. Plant compounds have evolved over
millions of years as chemical defence agents against infection. Garlic
has been used in medicine for centuries, and it should be no surprise
that it is effective against this very modern infection.”

The research on the laboratory effects of allicin on GISA was
presented in part at the Institute of Biomedical Scientists congress
in Birmingham, October 2003, and is being prepared for publication in
the Journal of Biomedical Science, to appear in the New Year. A full
clinical study involving the use of allicin to reduce nasal carriage
in healthy volunteers, including in hospitals in London and South East
England, is underway and initial results are due to be published in
summer 2004.

Case Study: Deborah’s story
Deborah Brown (34), a probation service officer who lives in Rainham,
Kent, contracted MRSA after a major spinal operation in November
2000.

The painful wounds on her spine failed to heal despite constant
applications of both oral antibiotics and creams, which also failed to
reduce the levels of MRSA in her tissue.

In December 2002, Deborah’s mother Pauline contacted Dr Cutler after
seeing an item on TV about MRSA and received a course of Allimax cream
and capsules by post. Within two months, the MRSA had mostly cleared
from Deborah’s tissues and the wounds had begun to heal, allowing an
operation to remove her spinal supports to be carried out in June
2003.

Deborah said: “The effect of the treatment was dramatic - I am making
a good recovery now – but it was really awful at the time. Having
weeping wounds on my back that never healed for two years was
incredibly painful, and I became increasingly depressed as the MRSA
didn’t respond to repeated courses of antibiotics. If my case helps to
show that allicin works against MRSA then I am glad that something
good might come of it.”

Patrick Wilson | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.uel.ac.uk

2000-2007 by innovations-report
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/medicine_health/report-24405..html
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