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You are here: Home / Guest Articles / The Evidence for The Development of Aromatherapy based products for protection against and treatment of MRSA – Julia Heath

The Evidence for The Development of Aromatherapy based products for protection against and treatment of MRSA – Julia Heath

July 22, 2009 By Julia Heath

Japanese tests: The effects of essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita L), spearmint (Mentha spicata L) and Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L) were tested for Helicobacter pylori, MRSA and other pathogens. The findings showed that these inhibited the proliferation of each pathogen. Herbisphere (PG 3)

A comparison was made by Japanese researchers between plaunotol (a cytoprotective anti-ulcer agent( and T.Tree oil. T.Tree oil was found to be very effective ‘in vitro’ against MSSA and MRSA at high concentrations. Herbsphere (PGs 2& 3)

Australian tests: (2002) Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodoria) showed significant anti-microbial activity against many organisms including MRSA. It concluded that a product containing 1% lemon myrtle oil could potentially be used in the formulation of topical anti microbial products.

The following year further Australian research showed that the antimicrobial activity of lemon myrtle oil was found to be greater and superior to T. tree essential oil. Herbisphere (PG 3)

This year, in a randomised controlled clinical trial two topical MRSA eradication regimes were compared in hospital patients: The T. tree preparations were effective, safe and well tolerated and suggested for use in cases of MRSA infection carriage. Dryden.M,S.

UK tests: It was found that a combination of Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) and geranium oil showed the greatest anti-bacterial effects against MRSA whilst a combination of T. tree oil and geranium was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). The UK researchers concluded that they had demonstrated the potential of essential oils and their vapours as anti bacterial agents and for the use in the treatment of MRSA infection. Burns (2004) (see Appendix 1)

Herbsphere, Latest and Prior research of MRSA and essential oils [online] available at http://www.herbspere.com/oils.htm Accessed 15/01/08

Colloidal silver cleared half of localised MRSA infections when used alone. Eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and T.tree have proved effective for combating skin infections of MRSA.
Olive leaf extract is currently the most promising anti-microbial for systemic use against MRSA infection. It has been used in hospitals in Hungary to overcome MRSA with high success rate. Health Answers (PG 1)

Health Answers, (no date) MRSA, [online] available at http://www.health-answers.co.uk/mrsa.htm Accessed 15/01/08

HIBA oil Composition for a bactericidal, disinfecting, and cleansing foam agent
Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342236, 2001-131061, and 2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left un removed after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems. 0003] Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342236, 2001-131061, and 2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left unremoved after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems.
0003] Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342232001-131061,and2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left unremoved after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems.

Fresh patents.com, Composition for a bactericidal, disinfecting and cleansing foam agent,{online] available at http://www.freshpatents.com/Composition-for-a-bactericidal-disinfecting-and-cleansing-foam-agent-dt20060126ptan20060019855.php?type=description Accessed 08/02/08

The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model.

Patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender essential oils and Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) were used singly and in combination to assess their anti-bacterial activity against three strains of Staphylococcus aureus: Oxford S. aureus NCTC 6571 (Oxford strain), Epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (EMRSA 15) and MRSA (untypable). The individual essential oils, extracts and combinations were impregnated into filter paper discs and placed on the surface of agar plates, pre-seeded with the appropriate strain of Staphylococcus. The effects of the vapours of the oils and oil combinations were also assessed using impregnated filter paper discs that were placed on the underside of the Petri dish lid at a distance of 8mm from the bacteria. The most inhibitory combinations of oils for each strain were used in a dressing model constructed using a four layers of dressings: the primary layer consisted of either Jelonet or TelfaClear with or without Flamazine; the second was a layer of gauze, the third a layer of Gamgee and the final layer was Crepe bandage. The oil combinations were placed in either the gauze or the Gamgee layer. This four-layered dressing was placed over the seeded agar plate, incubated for 24h at 37 degrees C and the zones of inhibition measured. All experiments were repeated on three separate occasions. No anti-bacterial effects were observed when Flamazine was smeared on the gauze in the dressing model. When Telfaclear was used as the primary layer in the dressing model compared to Jelonet, greater zones of inhibition were observed. A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils and essential oil vapours as antibacterial agents and for use in the treatment of MRSA infection. tea tree oil use tea tree oil acne tea tree oil shampoo.
A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization.
J Hosp Infect. 2004 Apr;56(4):283-6.
Two topical MRSA eradication regimes were compared in hospital patients: a standard treatment included mupirocin 2% nasal ointment, chlorhexidine gluconate 4% soap, silver sulfadiazine 1% cream versus a tea tree oil regimen, which included tea tree 10% cream, tea tree 5% body wash, both given for five days. One hundred and fourteen patients received standard treatment and 56 (49%) were cleared of MRSA carriage. One hundred and ten received tea tree oil regimen and 46 (41%) were cleared. There was no significant difference between treatment regimens. Mupirocin was significantly more effective at clearing nasal carriage (78%) than tea tree cream (47%; P = 0.0001) but tea tree treatment was more effective than chlorhexidine or silver sulfadiazine at clearing superficial skin sites and skin lesions. The tea tree preparations were effective, safe and well tolerated and could be considered in regimens for eradication of MRSA carriage.
Edwards-Jones, V. (2004). Elseiver Science, The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas using a dressing model [online] available at http://www.raysahelian.com/teatreeoil.html Accessed 14/01/2008

Abstract
Tea tree oil has recently emerged as an effective topical antimicrobial agent active against a wide range of organisms. Tea tree oil may have a clinical application in both the hospital and community, especially for clearance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage or as a hand disinfectant to prevent cross-infection with Gram-positive and Gramnegative epidemic organisms. Our study, based on the time–kill approach, determined the kill rate of tea tree oil against several multidrug-resistant organisms, including MRSA, glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, aminoglycoside-resistant klebsiellae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and also against sensitive microorganisms. The study was performed with two chemically different tea tree oils. One was a standard oil and the other was Clone 88 extracted from a specially bred tree, which has been selected and bred for increased activity and decreased skin irritation. Our results confirm that the cloned oil had increased antimicrobial activity when compared with the standard oil. Most results indicated that the susceptibility pattern and Gram reaction of the organism did not influence the kill rate. A rapid killing time (less than 60 min) was achieved with both tea tree oils with most isolates, but MRSA was killed more slowly than other organisms.
Multi-resistant organisms are difficult to eradicate from skin, and staphylococci, enterococci and lebsiellae are transmitted by direct contact.36 Adherence to infection control protocol (e.g. hand-washing) is critical to reduce transmission but effective hand disinfectants are also required. One study has shown that tea tree oil is more active against the organisms associated with transient carriage than against commensal skin flora and thus may be useful in eliminating the transient flora while suppressing but maintaining commensal flora.21 The rapid kill rate of Clone 88 compared with standard tea tree oil shown for most of the organisms tested in the present study is encouraging and suggests that further clinical studies should be carried out. Tea tree oil in a topical formulation might eliminate organisms from carriage sites such as the hairline, axilla, nares, groin and perineum, and incorporation of tea tree oil in hand-washing formulations may reduce the transmission of many multi-resistant organisms associated with nosocomial infections.

J. Maya, C. H. Chana,b, A. Kinga,*, L. Williams and G. L. Frencha, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Time-kill studies of tea tree oils on clinical isolates [online] available at http://www.malamutemountainnaturals.com/teatreeoil.html Accessed 04/02/2008

Eucalytus oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil have proved to be effective for combating skin infections with MRSA, and aerosols and fumes of the oils have also been found to be able to reduce but not eliminate infections in the nose and throat (the drug Mupirocin has proved more effective). Recently some laboratory testing has shown that a combination of grapefruit seed extract (CitrisidalTM) and geranium oil may be particularly potent against MRSA, but the effectiveness of the combination as a topical treatment for localised MRSA infections has yet to be confirmed in the ‘real world’. A team at Manchester Metropolitan University has developed a blend of yeast and essential oils, including tea tree oil, for use as a general antiseptic against MRSA
Health Answers, (no date) MRSA, [online] available at http://www.health-answers.co.uk/mrsa.htm Accessed 15/01/08

The essence of lemon oil proved 100% effective against pneumococcus, staphylococcus (MRSA) and diptheric bacillus. It is the staphylococcus bacteria that infects and kills thousands of people who contract infections while staying in hospitals.
Essential Oils- Nature’s Antibacterial [online] available at http://aromatherapy4u.wordpress.com/2006/10/04/essential-oils-natures-antibacterial/ Accessed 2801/08

Stabilised allicin has now been formulated into an active range of products called Allimed™. Powdercapsules, liquid, soap and cream presentations all show highly significant activity against multi-drug resistant organisms including MRSA. The mechanism of action of allicin may be due to inhibition of certain thiolcontaining enzymes in the microorganisms by the rapid reaction of thiosulfinates with thiol groups. This was assumed to be the main mechanism involved in the antibiotic effect of allicin. Recent studies have suggested that the mechanism of action of Allicin may be its ability to react with a model thiol compound ( L-cysteine ) to form the S-thiolation product S-allylmercaptocysteine.
MRSA watch, Garlic Treatment, New Natural extract foe treating MRSA, [online] available at http://tahilla.typepad.com/mrsawatch/garlic_treatment/index.html Accessed 28/01/08

Japanese tests: The effects of essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita L), spearmint (Mentha spicata L) and Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L) were tested for Helicobacter pylori, MRSA and other pathogens. The findings showed that these inhibited the proliferation of each pathogen. Herbisphere (PG 3)

A comparison was made by Japanese researchers between plaunotol (a cytoprotective anti-ulcer agent( and T.Tree oil. T.Tree oil was found to be very effective ‘in vitro’ against MSSA and MRSA at high concentrations. Herbsphere (PGs 2& 3)

Australian tests: (2002) Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodoria) showed significant anti-microbial activity against many organisms including MRSA. It concluded that a product containing 1% lemon myrtle oil could potentially be used in the formulation of topical anti microbial products.

The following year further Australian research showed that the antimicrobial activity of lemon myrtle oil was found to be greater and superior to T. tree essential oil. Herbisphere (PG 3)

This year, in a randomised controlled clinical trial two topical MRSA eradication regimes were compared in hospital patients: The T. tree preparations were effective, safe and well tolerated and suggested for use in cases of MRSA infection carriage. Dryden.M,S.

UK tests: It was found that a combination of Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) and geranium oil showed the greatest anti-bacterial effects against MRSA whilst a combination of T. tree oil and geranium was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). The UK researchers concluded that they had demonstrated the potential of essential oils and their vapours as anti bacterial agents and for the use in the treatment of MRSA infection. Burns (2004) (see Appendix 1)

Herbsphere, Latest and Prior research of MRSA and essential oils [online] available at http://www.herbspere.com/oils.htm Accessed 15/01/08

Colloidal silver cleared half of localised MRSA infections when used alone. Eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and T.tree have proved effective for combating skin infections of MRSA.
Olive leaf extract is currently the most promising anti-microbial for systemic use against MRSA infection. It has been used in hospitals in Hungary to overcome MRSA with high success rate. Health Answers (PG 1)

Health Answers, (no date) MRSA, [online] available at http://www.health-answers.co.uk/mrsa.htm Accessed 15/01/08

HIBA oil Composition for a bactericidal, disinfecting, and cleansing foam agent
Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342236, 2001-131061, and 2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left un removed after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems. 0003] Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342236, 2001-131061, and 2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left unremoved after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems.
0003] Hinokitiol (chemical name: 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-t- riene-1-on) is extracted from natural products such as hinoki oil and hiba oil, or is chemically synthesized. Hinokitiol is known for its excellent antibacterial, bactericidal, and antiseptic effects and also for being mild to the skin of the human body or the like. As already proposed, hinokitiol or its metal salt can be used as an aqueous solution for killing and disinfecting various bacteria (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2000-342232001-131061,and2002-238524).

[0004] Being water-based agents, these bactericidal disinfecting agents may be left unremoved after application. Even when they are applied to the human body, no washing operation is necessary. Nevertheless, these agents present some other problems. For example, the aqueous solution dribbles when it is dispensed from a container and applied by a hand or when it is sprayed directly from a container. Besides, unlike the alcohol-based agent which dries fast, the water-based agent leaves the application area dripping wet. Particularly when the aqueous solution is applied to the human body, the hand and the application area need to be dried, or wiped by a towel or the like. It is therefore desired to provide an easy-to-use bactericidal disinfecting agent which does not encounter such problems.

Fresh patents.com, Composition for a bactericidal, disinfecting and cleansing foam agent,{online] available at http://www.freshpatents.com/Composition-for-a-bactericidal-disinfecting-and-cleansing-foam-agent-dt20060126ptan20060019855.php?type=description Accessed 08/02/08

The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model.

Patchouli, tea tree, geranium, lavender essential oils and Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) were used singly and in combination to assess their anti-bacterial activity against three strains of Staphylococcus aureus: Oxford S. aureus NCTC 6571 (Oxford strain), Epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (EMRSA 15) and MRSA (untypable). The individual essential oils, extracts and combinations were impregnated into filter paper discs and placed on the surface of agar plates, pre-seeded with the appropriate strain of Staphylococcus. The effects of the vapours of the oils and oil combinations were also assessed using impregnated filter paper discs that were placed on the underside of the Petri dish lid at a distance of 8mm from the bacteria. The most inhibitory combinations of oils for each strain were used in a dressing model constructed using a four layers of dressings: the primary layer consisted of either Jelonet or TelfaClear with or without Flamazine; the second was a layer of gauze, the third a layer of Gamgee and the final layer was Crepe bandage. The oil combinations were placed in either the gauze or the Gamgee layer. This four-layered dressing was placed over the seeded agar plate, incubated for 24h at 37 degrees C and the zones of inhibition measured. All experiments were repeated on three separate occasions. No anti-bacterial effects were observed when Flamazine was smeared on the gauze in the dressing model. When Telfaclear was used as the primary layer in the dressing model compared to Jelonet, greater zones of inhibition were observed. A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils and essential oil vapours as antibacterial agents and for use in the treatment of MRSA infection. tea tree oil use tea tree oil acne tea tree oil shampoo.
A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization.
J Hosp Infect. 2004 Apr;56(4):283-6.
Two topical MRSA eradication regimes were compared in hospital patients: a standard treatment included mupirocin 2% nasal ointment, chlorhexidine gluconate 4% soap, silver sulfadiazine 1% cream versus a tea tree oil regimen, which included tea tree 10% cream, tea tree 5% body wash, both given for five days. One hundred and fourteen patients received standard treatment and 56 (49%) were cleared of MRSA carriage. One hundred and ten received tea tree oil regimen and 46 (41%) were cleared. There was no significant difference between treatment regimens. Mupirocin was significantly more effective at clearing nasal carriage (78%) than tea tree cream (47%; P = 0.0001) but tea tree treatment was more effective than chlorhexidine or silver sulfadiazine at clearing superficial skin sites and skin lesions. The tea tree preparations were effective, safe and well tolerated and could be considered in regimens for eradication of MRSA carriage.
Edwards-Jones, V. (2004). Elseiver Science, The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas using a dressing model [online] available at http://www.raysahelian.com/teatreeoil.html Accessed 14/01/2008

Abstract
Tea tree oil has recently emerged as an effective topical antimicrobial agent active against a wide range of organisms. Tea tree oil may have a clinical application in both the hospital and community, especially for clearance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage or as a hand disinfectant to prevent cross-infection with Gram-positive and Gramnegative epidemic organisms. Our study, based on the time–kill approach, determined the kill rate of tea tree oil against several multidrug-resistant organisms, including MRSA, glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, aminoglycoside-resistant klebsiellae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and also against sensitive microorganisms. The study was performed with two chemically different tea tree oils. One was a standard oil and the other was Clone 88 extracted from a specially bred tree, which has been selected and bred for increased activity and decreased skin irritation. Our results confirm that the cloned oil had increased antimicrobial activity when compared with the standard oil. Most results indicated that the susceptibility pattern and Gram reaction of the organism did not influence the kill rate. A rapid killing time (less than 60 min) was achieved with both tea tree oils with most isolates, but MRSA was killed more slowly than other organisms.
Multi-resistant organisms are difficult to eradicate from skin, and staphylococci, enterococci and lebsiellae are transmitted by direct contact.36 Adherence to infection control protocol (e.g. hand-washing) is critical to reduce transmission but effective hand disinfectants are also required. One study has shown that tea tree oil is more active against the organisms associated with transient carriage than against commensal skin flora and thus may be useful in eliminating the transient flora while suppressing but maintaining commensal flora.21 The rapid kill rate of Clone 88 compared with standard tea tree oil shown for most of the organisms tested in the present study is encouraging and suggests that further clinical studies should be carried out. Tea tree oil in a topical formulation might eliminate organisms from carriage sites such as the hairline, axilla, nares, groin and perineum, and incorporation of tea tree oil in hand-washing formulations may reduce the transmission of many multi-resistant organisms associated with nosocomial infections.

J. Maya, C. H. Chana,b, A. Kinga,*, L. Williams and G. L. Frencha, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Time-kill studies of tea tree oils on clinical isolates [online] available at http://www.malamutemountainnaturals.com/teatreeoil.html Accessed 04/02/2008

Eucalytus oil, lavender oil and tea tree oil have proved to be effective for combating skin infections with MRSA, and aerosols and fumes of the oils have also been found to be able to reduce but not eliminate infections in the nose and throat (the drug Mupirocin has proved more effective). Recently some laboratory testing has shown that a combination of grapefruit seed extract (CitrisidalTM) and geranium oil may be particularly potent against MRSA, but the effectiveness of the combination as a topical treatment for localised MRSA infections has yet to be confirmed in the ‘real world’. A team at Manchester Metropolitan University has developed a blend of yeast and essential oils, including tea tree oil, for use as a general antiseptic against MRSA
Health Answers, (no date) MRSA, [online] available at http://www.health-answers.co.uk/mrsa.htm Accessed 15/01/08

The essence of lemon oil proved 100% effective against pneumococcus, staphylococcus (MRSA) and diptheric bacillus. It is the staphylococcus bacteria that infects and kills thousands of people who contract infections while staying in hospitals.
Essential Oils- Nature’s Antibacterial [online] available at http://aromatherapy4u.wordpress.com/2006/10/04/essential-oils-natures-antibacterial/ Accessed 2801/08

Stabilised allicin has now been formulated into an active range of products called Allimed™. Powdercapsules, liquid, soap and cream presentations all show highly significant activity against multi-drug resistant organisms including MRSA. The mechanism of action of allicin may be due to inhibition of certain thiolcontaining enzymes in the microorganisms by the rapid reaction of thiosulfinates with thiol groups. This was assumed to be the main mechanism involved in the antibiotic effect of allicin. Recent studies have suggested that the mechanism of action of Allicin may be its ability to react with a model thiol compound ( L-cysteine ) to form the S-thiolation product S-allylmercaptocysteine.
MRSA watch, Garlic Treatment, New Natural extract foe treating MRSA, [online] available at http://tahilla.typepad.com/mrsawatch/garlic_treatment/index.html Accessed 28/01/08

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