Cruciferous Vegetables Supplement Like Broccoli and Cabbage Linked to Fending off Antibiotic Resistance

A recent study suggests that a supplement derived from a family of vegetables may be the key to fending off antimicrobial resistance.

It's no secret that cruciferous vegetables - like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and collard greens contain numerous health benefits and have been linked with preventing cancer. They are rich in nutrients and fibers while containing low calories.

Antibiotic Resistance and Green Vegetable-Based Supplement

(Photo: Madison Inouye by Pexels)

A recent study led by researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, published in the journal Pharmaceutics, titled "Anti-Virulence Activity of 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM): A Bioactive Cruciferous Phytochemical with Accelerated Wound Healing Benefits." has demonstrated how the vegetable family can also help in combating antimicrobial resistance.

The study analyses a compound known as 3,3-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a derivative of a compound found in cruciferous vegetables - indole-3-carbinol. The compounds can also be taken as a supplement for fat loss and muscle building.

Despite being available as a supplement, the compound's potential benefits have not been under the scrutiny of peer-reviewed research until today.

In a recent study, experts investigated four gram-negative pathogenic bacteria known to have high antibiotic resistance. In all bacteria samples, the DIM compound showed to reduce biofilm formation by up to 80%.

Dr. Sarah Satola, an associate professor of medicine and infectious diseases, explains that biofilm formation was markedly inhibited by the compound in two pathogenic bacteria analyzed. Both were gram-negative bacteria. She adds that it would be great if data tested the compound's abilities against other vital gram-positive bacteria such as Staphyloccocus aureus, reports Medical Daily.

Following the team's initial findings, researchers focused on two gram-negative bacteria, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, since these are multi-drug resistant. When combining the compound with tobramycin, an antibiotic, the DIM inhibited biofilm growth by 98% of the P. aeruginosa.

Researchers express that the initial findings show great promise since they demonstrate how DIM could be used for combinational therapy alongside antibiotics. Doing so enhances the supplement's potential to treat drug-resistant bacteria, indicating a novel strategy for eradicating complex biofilm.

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Bacteria vs. Antibiotic: Understanding Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria and fungi are germs found inside and outside the human body. Although most germs pose no threat, some can cause infections that, if left untreated, could result in life-threatening situations.

Antibiotics are vital in preventing and treating severe infections caused by specific bacteria in crops, humans, and animals. Antibiotics are the most powerful drugs against life-threatening bacterial infections in the health care industry.

Hence, according to the CDC, antibiotic resistance occurs when germs no longer respond to antibiotics designed to eradicate them. This means that the germs cannot be killed and can continue to grow and cause further infection. This doesn't mean that the body itself is resistant to antibiotics.

Germs are constantly evading the effects of antibiotics. With infections of antibiotic-resistant germs growing more difficult often require extended hospital stays. Many recent studies analyzing ways to circumvent drug resistance in bacteria will help healthcare professionals prevent and treat severe infections.