Antibacterial Action of Curcumin against Staphylococcus aureus: A Brief Review. (13th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Teow, Sin-Yeang; Liew, Kitson; Ali, Syed A.; Khoo, Alan Soo-Beng; Peh, Suat-Cheng
• Other Names: Biswas Sukla Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of tropical medicine. Volume 2016(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-11-13
• Subjects: Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/2853045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9686

Abstract

Abstract : Curcumin, the major constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) or turmeric, commonly used for cooking in Asian cuisine, is known to possess a broad range of pharmacological properties at relatively nontoxic doses. Curcumin is found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). As demonstrated by in vitro experiment, curcumin exerts even more potent effects when used in combination with various other antibacterial agents. Hence, curcumin which is a natural product derived from plant is believed to have profound medicinal benefits and could be potentially developed into a naturally derived antibiotic in the future. However, there are several noteworthy challenges in the development of curcumin as a medicine. S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by the multidrug-resistant strains, have emerged as a global health issue and urgent action is needed. This review focuses on the antibacterial activities of curcumin against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We also attempt to highlight the potential challenges in the effort of developing curcumin into a therapeutic antibacterial agent.