Maple syrup may boost antibiotics: Study
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
First posted: Friday, April 17, 2015 01:45 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, April 17, 2015 01:52 PM EDT
Pairing concentrated maple syrup with antibiotics may help the body fight off infection more effectively, a new study suggests.
Researchers from Montreal's McGill University have discovered in lab tests that Canada's liquid gold makes disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, less resistant to antibiotics.
Prof. Nathalie Tufenkji says testing on humans is required to confirm her team's theory.
But she says the findings suggest a "potentially simple and effective approach for reducing antibiotic usage."
"I could see maple syrup extract being incorporated eventually, for example, into the capsules of antibiotics," she said.
Experts have long been concerned about the overprescription of antibiotics, which contributes to the rise in drug-resistant superbugs.
By itself, the syrup concoction was "mildly effective" in fighting off bacteria but very effective when combined with antibiotics, the study says.
Maple syrup is rich in phenolic compounds that have been shown to have antibacterial benefits.
The syrup-antibiotics combo was found to help destroy bacteria known as biofilms, common in hard-to-treat infections.
The research was published online in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OJbyq9q0g4
Maple syrup may boost antibiotics: Study | Health & Fitness | Life | Toronto Sun
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
First posted: Friday, April 17, 2015 01:45 PM EDT | Updated: Friday, April 17, 2015 01:52 PM EDT
Pairing concentrated maple syrup with antibiotics may help the body fight off infection more effectively, a new study suggests.
Researchers from Montreal's McGill University have discovered in lab tests that Canada's liquid gold makes disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, less resistant to antibiotics.
Prof. Nathalie Tufenkji says testing on humans is required to confirm her team's theory.
But she says the findings suggest a "potentially simple and effective approach for reducing antibiotic usage."
"I could see maple syrup extract being incorporated eventually, for example, into the capsules of antibiotics," she said.
Experts have long been concerned about the overprescription of antibiotics, which contributes to the rise in drug-resistant superbugs.
By itself, the syrup concoction was "mildly effective" in fighting off bacteria but very effective when combined with antibiotics, the study says.
Maple syrup is rich in phenolic compounds that have been shown to have antibacterial benefits.
The syrup-antibiotics combo was found to help destroy bacteria known as biofilms, common in hard-to-treat infections.
The research was published online in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OJbyq9q0g4
Maple syrup may boost antibiotics: Study | Health & Fitness | Life | Toronto Sun
