Natural Compound To Combat Bacterial Infections

IIT Roorkee team has identified a natural compound that can help weaken persistent superbugs, enhance antibiotics' effectiveness

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A research team at IIT Roorkee has identified a natural compound that can help weaken persistent superbugs and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics.

The study suggests that thymol -- a plant-based compound commonly found in thyme -- may help weaken persister cells seen particularly in the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. It is known for causing persistent and chronic infections in hospitals.

The findings, published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal, can also make last-resort antibiotics like meropenem more effective.