Once again it is nature that provides us with the best remedies against problems hitherto considered unsolvable by science. In fact, it seems that a substance contained in a particular variety of avocado is able to eliminate the self-defense systems of bacteria that have proved to be multi-resistant to antibiotics. This is the case of staphylococci, among which it is possible to include the dreaded Staphylococcus aureus, considered by experts to be the main culprits of infections contracted as a result of post-operative wounds and among the triggering causes of endocarditis and abscesses.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
Once again it is nature that provides us with the best remedies against problems hitherto considered unsolvable by science. In fact, it seems that a substance contained in a particular variety of avocado is capable of reset the self-defense systems of some bacteria proved to be multiresistant to antibiotics. This is the case of the staphylococci, among which it is possible to include the feared Staphylococcus aureus, considered by experts to be the main culprits of infections contracted as a result of post-operative wounds and among the triggering causes of endocarditis and abscesses.
The important discovery came about thanks to the studies carried out by Jes Gitz Holler, researcher at the University of Copenhagen, whose results have been published in the pages of the authoritative scientific journal Journal of Antimicrobal Chemotherapy. Holler dealt with examining a particular species of avocado (Persea lingua), typical of the Chilean Amazon forest. In this way he would have identified a substance capable of tampering with the spontaneous self-defense system normally implemented by staphylococci in the presence of the antibiotics tested so far on them.
In fact, for several decades, scientists have been involved in examining the reactions of staphylococci to drugs that should counteract their action, never having reached a convincing conclusion or a universally effective remedy. If until now the Western world was unaware of the hidden powers of the avocado, so it was not for the ethnic Chilean population. Mapuche, which for centuries has resorted to the action of leaves of the aforementioned plant in order to treat and heal infected wounds.
THEChilean avocado is among the plant species characteristic of rain forest, which represents one of the most varied ecosystems on our planet and which unfortunately continues to be threatened by deforestation. The new scientific discovery, combined with others that have recently taken place, does nothing but bring to the center of attention its still often unfathomed resources, rich treasures potentially useful for our survival, which should therefore be protected and used wisely.
Just in order to avoid one reckless exploitation of Amazonian natural resources, scholars hope they can enhance in the laboratory the effectiveness of the new substance identified, so as to make it necessary to use a minimum amount of the same in view of the possible future development of special drugs capable of canceling the resistance of staphylococci to the action of antibiotics.
Marta Albè
Read also The 5 natural antibiotics that are good for our health
Read also how to grow avocado on the balcony
