The latest Canadian research found a new way of using maple syrup extract. This could be used in order to treat and combat drug-resistant bacteria or superbugs. It could do so as it would offer a natural, healthy alternative to the use or overuse of antibiotics.
The research was carried out by McGill University scientists. It was led by Nathalie Tufenkji, Ph.D. They presented their results earlier this week, during the 253rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society which is being held in San Francisco.
Maple Syrup Extract Could Help Reduce The Use Of Antibiotics
According to the study, by using maple syrup extract, the team was able to cut back on the use of antibiotics. They did so as they mixed the two elements, and resulted in a lowering of the latter. As they started using the extract, the researchers cut back on medicine by as much as 97 percent in some of the cases. Also, even when doing so, they achieved the same results.
The study paper shows that this maple syrup-antibiotics mixture was able to help moth larvae and fruit flies survive for a longer period of time. Previously, these had been exposed to harmful bacteria. According to research, the animals treated with this combination presented better results than the ones that only received an antibiotics treatment.
“We found that these phenolic extracts from maple syrup extract actually energize with antibiotics to protect these insects from infection.”
Tufenkji and her team were able to remove the water and sugar from the maple syrup extract and to isolate its phenolic compounds. Then, they went to mix this with carbenicillin and ciprofloxacin. This combination was effective in combating quite a range of bacterial strains, including, for example, the E.coli.
The research team will continue carrying out studies on the matter. According to reports, they are currently testing the combination on mice.
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