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Treatment with Hypericum perforatum L. does not trigger decreased resistance in Staphylococcus aureus against
1AT_Huebner@gmx.de
Abstract:
Most scientific investigations of Hypericum perforatum L. (Saint John's wort) concentrated on its antidepressant activity. Only recently, its antibacterial activity against multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus led to speculations regarding the use of hyperforin, an antibacterial principle of hypericum, as an antibiotic. In the present investigation, we show that Staphylococcus aureus is able to acquire a resistance against hyperforin which did not lead to a cross resistance against clinically used antibiotics. Resistance development does not take place, however, at concentrations as low as they are found in human blood plasma during antidepressant treatment with 900 mg Hypericum extract/day.
Insights
Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) shows antibacterial effects, but Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to hyperforin. This resistance does not affect common antibiotics and doesn't occur at therapeutic doses.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Hypericum perforatum (Saint John's wort) is primarily known for antidepressant effects.
- Recent studies highlight its antibacterial activity against multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus.
- Hyperforin, a key compound, is being considered for antibiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for Staphylococcus aureus to develop resistance to hyperforin.
- To determine if hyperforin resistance confers cross-resistance to clinical antibiotics.
- To assess resistance development at therapeutic concentrations of Hypericum extract.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial culture and resistance induction assays with hyperforin.
- Testing for cross-resistance against clinically relevant antibiotics.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated the ability to acquire resistance to hyperforin.
- No cross-resistance to common antibiotics was observed in hyperforin-resistant strains.
- Resistance development was not observed at hyperforin concentrations found in blood plasma during standard Hypericum extract treatment (900 mg/day).
Conclusions:
- While Staphylococcus aureus can develop hyperforin resistance, it does not extend to clinical antibiotics.
- Therapeutic doses of Hypericum extract appear to minimize the risk of resistance development.
- Hyperforin's potential as a standalone antibiotic may be limited by resistance, but it could be useful in combination therapies or at sub-therapeutic levels.