Pomegranate Latest Weapon to Fight MRSA

KINGSTON, United Kingdom—Scientists have discovered that pomegranate rinds combined with two natural products can be turned into an ointment for treating MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other common hospital infections.

Researchers from the University of Kingston’s School of Life Sciences discovered that the infection-fighting properties of pomegranate were greatly enhanced by combining the rind of the fruit with metal salts and vitamin C. Pomegranate rind combined with metal salts was the most effective combination for treating MRSA, while other common hospital infections were better dealt with by all three components—pomegranate rind, metal salts and vitamin C.

"We have developed a topical ointment that can successfully attack a range of drug resistant microbes. It's a significant breakthrough and a striking example of the effectiveness of adding more components to create a more active product," Professor Declan Naughton said. "It shows that nature still has a few tricks up its sleeve. The idea of using a foodstuff is unusual and means that the body should be able to cope more easily with its application; patients are less likely to experience any major side-effects."