In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin-Polymyxin B Combinations against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Associated with Traumatic Wound Infections

J Nat Prod. 2016 Jun 24;79(6):1702-6. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00286. Epub 2016 Jun 13.

Abstract

Bacterial infections resulting from nonsurgical traumatic wounds can be life threatening, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria with limited therapeutic options. The antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B (1) and curcumin (2) alone and in combination was determined versus MDR bacterial isolates associated with traumatic wound infections. Cytotoxicity assays for 1 and 2 were undertaken in keratinocyte cell lines. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1 were significantly reduced in the presence of 2 (3- to 10-fold reduction), with synergy observed. Time-kill assays showed the combinations produced bactericidal activity. Cytotoxicity assays indicate the toxicity of 2 was reduced in the presence of 1.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Curcumin / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymyxin B / pharmacology*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Wound Infection / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Curcumin
  • Polymyxin B