There is widespread concern about methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus, or MRSA. It can cause skin infections such as boils, or more deep-seated problems such as infections in the lungs or blood, and it is difficult to treat. Physicians prescribe powerful antibiotics such as gentamicin or kanamycin. Now research from Brazil suggests that an herbal extract may make these antibiotics more effective against MRSA. The herb, Turnera ulmifolia, grows like a weed in northern Brazil. By itself it has no impact on MRSA colonies, but it boosted the potency of gentamicin and kanamicin. It would be exciting if this plant extract could make MRSA less of a threat.
[BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2009]
