AMR: Combining Clove Extract increases Antibiotic Efficacy, Study Finds

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Image of a clove

Combining clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract with conventional antibiotics has been found to significantly boost their effectiveness in fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, This is according to a recent study by researchers at Yarmouk University, Jordan.

The researchers say their findings highlight an innovative approach to combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, the study found that clove extract, when paired with imipenem and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these antibiotics, indicating a strong synergistic interaction.

“The significant decrease in MIC values demonstrates that clove extract can enhance antibiotic potency, especially against resistant bacteria,” the lead author, Deniz M. Al-Tawalbeh, stated.

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From the findings, clove extract alone demonstrated antibacterial properties, showing an inhibition zone of 19 mm. However, its true potential emerged when used in combination therapy. For instance, imipenem’s MIC dropped from 1.95 µg/mL to 0.48 µg/mL, while the MIC of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid fell from 1000 µg/mL to 7.81 µg/mL.

The study attributed this synergy to the bioactive compounds in clove extract, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and robinetin, which disrupt bacterial biofilms and defence mechanisms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, classified as a critical pathogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a gram-negative bacterium often linked to hospital-acquired infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections.

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According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), P. aeruginosa is responsible for approximately 32,600 infections and 2,700 deaths annually in the United States. It’s capacity to withstand numerous antibiotics makes it particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems and those undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

The rising tide of antibiotic resistance adds further urgency to finding novel solutions. The WHO warns that antibiotic resistance could result in 10 million deaths globally by 2050, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of mortality. This crisis is driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics as well as the bacterium’s ability to develop resistance through mechanisms such as efflux pumps and the production of beta-lactamase enzymes.

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“The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have exacerbated resistance levels, complicating the treatment of common infections,” Al-Tawalbeh remarked.

“However, our findings open a new avenue for integrating natural extracts with conventional antibiotics for a more effective fight against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.” he stated.

The study emphasised the need for further studies to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety of clove extract in clinical settings.

 

 

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