Anti-Bacterial Activity of an Ancient Remedy against Dermatological Infections

Abstract

Abstract Skin and soft-tissue infections are among the most common infections and can develop severe local and systemic complications. Usually, dermatological infections develop quickly and can be life-threatening, diagnosis and treatment at their initial stages is essential. Bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli usually cause skin infections. Studies of plants and natural materials used in ancient medicine to treat infections may assist us in further antibiotic discoveries. In this study, we tested the bactericidal activity of a 1,000-year-old Arabic Al-Razi remedy against common skin infections with gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The mixture of all ingredients of this remedy (vinegar, Arabic gum, Boswellia, vitriol, aloe) has shown antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the presence of single ingredient in water has shown no activity against tested bacterial strains except vitriol. We found, every single ingredient when dissolved in vinegar has showed antibacterial activity which shows that vinegar is the powerful ingredient of Al-Razi remedy but the combination of all ingredients requires to achieve full activity. Our work highlighted the use of not only single agent but also combinations of natural products for treating skin infections.