Anti biofilm attributes of Curcumin

Posted by lynne63 @lynne63, Aug 4, 2021

I've been doing quite a bit of research and thought I would share this medical journal research. I don't think I can copy the link, so I will share the info directly here. The article is:

Curcumin, an antibiotic resistance breaker against a multiresistant clinical isolate of Mycobacterium abscessus

Curcumin, a phenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa, exerts multiple pharmacological effects, including an antimicrobial action. Mycobacterium abscessus, an environmental, nontuberculous, rapidly growing mycobacterium, is an emerging human pathogen causing serious lung infections and one of the most difficult to treat, due to its multidrug resistance and biofilm-forming ability. We wanted to evaluate the antimicrobial and antivirulence activity of curcumin and its ability to synergize with antibiotics against a clinical M. abscessus strain (29904), isolated from the bronchoaspirate of a 66-year-old woman admitted to hospital for suspected tuberculosis. Curcumin [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) = 128 mg/L] was synergic (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤0.5) with amikacin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and linezolid, to which strain 29904 showed resistance/intermediate susceptibility. Curcumin at 1/8 × MIC significantly reduced motility, whereas at 4 × MIC, it completely inhibited 4- and 8-day mature biofilms. Synergistic combinations of curcumin and amikacin induced a general reduction in microbial aggregates and substantial loss in cell viability. Disruption of 4- and 8-day biofilms was the main effect detected when curcumin was the predominant compound. The present findings support previous evidence that curcumin is a potential antibiotic resistance breaker. Curcumin, either alone or combined with antibiotics, could provide a novel strategy to combat antibiotic resistance and virulence of M. abscessus.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

heathert | @heathert | Aug 7, 2021

In reply to @anniepie "Hi Sue @sueinmn and Lynne @lynne63, you're right, there is growing research evidence about the effectiveness..." + (show)

Thanks for that @anniepie great advice!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 7, 2021

I would also like to mention that there is evidence of good anti-inflammatory effects of oral, bio-available curcumin supplements, so if I was going to try it, that would be my reason. I am still waiting to connect with my PharmD about advisability with all my meds.

I would not rely on it to have an anti-biofilm effect in an oral form at this point. The tests so far have been "test tube" experiments - adding the curcumin to the culture plates along with the antibiotic to look for effectiveness. It has also showed promise in treating anti-biotic resistant skin infections, in combination with specific meds.

We are some distance away from in-body experimentation on bio-film & NTM or TB at this point, to see if oral supplements can help. And we are DEFINITELY NOT at a point where anyone should consider inhaling or nebulizing curcumin, except as part of a medically supervised trial.

I consider this very promising research, and can hardly wait to see what the next steps show us.
Sue

lynne63 | @lynne63 | Aug 10, 2021

Thanks for the great discussion regarding this potential benefit of curcumin.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 10, 2021

In reply to @lynne63 "Thanks for the great discussion regarding this potential benefit of curcumin." + (show)

I keep thinking that, like with the 7% saline nebs, one of these common items is going to create an "Aha!" moment in treating NTM and TB...

I am thrilled that the study of supplements, and the compounds they contain, are now seriously being researched by Western science and medicine.Before the days of big-Pharma antibiotics, simple things were used for generations - and many have now been verified by modern science.

toni1132 | @toni1132 | Aug 16, 2021

In reply to @anniepie "Hi Sue @sueinmn and Lynne @lynne63, you're right, there is growing research evidence about the effectiveness..." + (show)

This is very interesting to me. What is the difference in Turmeric and "bio available curcumin?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 16, 2021

In reply to @toni1132 "This is very interesting to me. What is the difference in Turmeric and "bio available curcumin?" + (show)

Turmeric is a spice which contains curcumin. As with all spices, concentrations vary based on variety, growing conditions, storage, any fillers used... Curcumin is the active ingredient extracted from the turmeric, and can be measured exactly. Kind of like marijuana, which contains both CBD and THC - only in the raw, you don't know how much of each, or what else is in it.
The healing properties of curcumin and some other substances can be difficult for the body to extract, leading most of it to be immediately excreted in urine. This article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770259/ explains some of the mechanisms tested to cause more absorption of curcumin.

toni1132 | @toni1132 | Aug 16, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Turmeric is a spice which contains curcumin. As with all spices, concentrations vary based on variety,..." + (show)

I do take Curcumin..... I'll have to pay closer attention because if I remember correctly, I may have used it at times during my "big 3" treatment. Hmmmm. Thank you, again !!