Anti-microbial, Immune-modulating, Naturally-derived Adjunctive Therapies

SUMMARY

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed adjunctive therapies applicable to multiple types of infectious conditions. These therapies – derived from compounds found in natural herbs - also have potential prophylactic efficacy.

BACKGROUND

Increased human and veterinary antibiotic resistance has become a major global health concern. Researchers know that many species – including mammals – have genes that encode small peptides that possess broad-spectrum, anti-microbial properties effective against multiple types of pathogens. Researchers at the University of California Davis have developed a strategy that applies compounds derived from natural herbs to upregulate the endogenous expression of antimicrobial peptides. These peptides then prove effective against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. This anti-microbial approach can be used as a topical medication, can be impregnated into contact lenses, deployed as a nebulizer for respiratory infections and offers new treatment options for chronic wounds caused by conditions such as diabetes and chronic venous ulcers.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:

• Broad range anti-microbial activity 
• Treatment of respiratory infections 
• Diabetic and ulcerated wounds 
• Potential use in septicemia

ADVANTAGES:

• Endogenous expression of innate antimicrobial peptides using natural molecules
• Modulates both innate and adaptive immunity 
• Therapeutically efficacious in antibiotic-resistant individuals 
• Potentially effective both as a prophylactic and therapy against multiple, microbial-based conditions - including bacterial, viral and fungal diseases