New Skincare Compound Shows Promise Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered that madecassic acid, a compound derived from the plant Centella asiatica, exhibits strong antibacterial properties against drug-resistant bacteria. The study, conducted in collaboration with University College London, found that madecassic acid can inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli by targeting the cytochrome bd complex, a protein system crucial for bacterial respiration. The compound's structure can be modified to enhance its effectiveness, with some variants showing the ability to kill E. coli at higher concentrations.