In today's hyper-hygienically focused society, the timing is right for novel antibacterial, skin healing and cleansing innovations.
In addition, according to researchers from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, in view of emerging antibiotic resistance to many Gram-positive bacteria, there is a need and demand for new antimicrobial drugs and agents. This especially includes those derived from natural components.
Natural Skin Hygiene
Plant extracts have been used since ancient times to treat or eliminate disease. Building on this foundation in traditional medicine, a significant number of drugs has been isolated from plant sources to treat diseases or infestations caused by viruses, bacterial, fungi, parasites and insects.
As a new patent application reports, modern biochemists, microbiologists and physicians continue the quest to discover new plant extracts and components useful in agronomy, animal science and medicine. With this objective in mind, the present inventors identified fractions and components of Eruca sativa that exhibit antimicrobial activity as well as skin healing benefits.
The Literature
Aqueous extracts of Eruca sativa leaves and methods for inhibiting growth of Gram-positive bacteria and mycoplasma
U.S. Patent Application 20200101124
Publication date: April 2, 2020
Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
The current invention describes an aqueous extract of Eruca sativa (arugula) leaves that demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and mycoplasmas. More specifically, the extract may be purified away from solid or insoluble components; standardized based on the weight of its non-aqueous or solid content; assayed for antimicrobial activity; and provided in an aseptic or sterile form for pharmaceutical use.
The resulting extract is useful to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as Gram-positive bacteria, to promote wound healing, or as a prophylaxis against host colonization or infection by a microorganism. Applications also include healing in and around skin, hair and nails due to pimples, acne and sites of dermatitis; dermal damage associated with aging; mucous membranes in the eye, nasal and oral cavities; urinary tract; reproductive organs; GI tract; or other tissues susceptible to microbial colonization or infection.
Patent application accessed on April 14, 2020.
