As scientists race to search out ways to tackle superbug infections, a latest study highlights the necessity to revisit the traditional recipes to treat infections attributable to antibiotic-resistant strains of microbes.

In the most recent study, published in Microbiology, a bunch of researchers from the University of Warwick, the U.K, analyzed how an ancient antibacterial recipe often known as oxymel, which uses two common pantry ingredients – honey and vinegar, might be utilized in the treatment of wounds.

“In our survey of premodern recipes, we noticed a pattern of mixing honey and vinegar to scrub or dress wounds and swellings, and this inspired us to deal with that combination in our evaluation,” Dr, Erin Connelly, a researcher involved within the study, said in a news release.

Previous studies have shown that some natural remedies corresponding to Manuka honey have antimicrobial properties and would assist in wound healing. Vinegar was proven to be a useful antiseptic and acetic acid, and the lively component of vinegar has been incorporated into modern medicine.

In the most recent study, the researchers explored what happens when the mixture of honey and vinegar is applied to biofilms of bacteria grown within the laboratory. In addition they evaluated if the usage of whole vinegar has more antibacterial properties than acetic acid.

The team found that the combined use of honey and vinegar has more substantial advantages in wound healing than once they are used alone.

“We applied a low dose of honey, that alone didn’t kill the bacteria, and a low dose of acetic acid that also couldn’t kill the bacteria alone. These doses are lower than people who wound care nurses currently use on patients. But once we put these low doses together, we saw a lot of bacteria dying which is actually exciting. We actually need to analyze whether combining these substances could help patients who should not responding to either substance used alone,” Freya Harrison, one other researcher, said.

Natural vinegars were found to have more antibacterial properties than an equivalent dose of pure acetic acid. Researchers also observed strong properties in pomegranate vinegar, especially once they were combined with honey.

The researchers now propose to take a contemporary version of oxymel into the clinical trial stage.

“The burden of wound care and infections is increasing yr by yr, with causative conditions corresponding to diabetes on the rise. Possibly the knowledge of our ancestors could be used to reinforce the present care we will provide to our patients, at a lower cost,” Joseph Hardwicke, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, said concerning the study.

Published by Medicaldaily.com