Combination of Curcumin and Tetracycline: An Effective Synergistic Approach

Currently, trend of combination antibiotic therapy is being accelerated to lessen the possible risk of developing resistance to antibiotics in bacteria and to amplify the antibacterial spectrum as well. Accordingly, it is reported that, the antibacterial activity of antibiotics in case of several bacteria can be enhanced through mixing them with crude plant extracts^1,2. For instance, synergism effect of combining Indonesian plant extracts like Kaempferia pandurata with penicillin or ampicillin has been noted against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)¹. But, their accurate mechanism of is still under discussion.

In this regard, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a valuable traditional plant found in Indonesia. This precious plant is generally utilized for spices, colouring and preservative as well as to treat bacterial infections. Curcumin is considered as a main component of turmeric which has been reported to possess most of the plant’s biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor as well as anti inflammatory activities³. It is also found to be effective against several bacteria⁴. Moreover, it is reported that it has synergistic activities with a variety of anti-microbial drugs as well⁵.

Therefore, Elin Yulinah⁶ and team conducted a research to investigate the antibacterial activity of curcumin in combination with tetracycline or ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus  and Escherichia coli through using the checkerboard method as well as its associated mechanism. In addition, scientists assessed the antibacterial activity of this combination in situ by means of recovery rate and wound score of S. aureus-infected rabbit’s skin. Finally, imaging using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy was performed to analyze the morphological alteration of the curcumin combination-treated S. aureus.

In an in vitro investigation, curcumin exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli as well as showed the synergistic interaction after combining with tetracycline. This particular mixture was noted to hasten the healing process of S. aureus-caused skin infections of rabbits. Furthermore, scientists also studied its mechanism of action which shows that this combination work by disrupting the bacterial wall. Conclusively, research team suggested the utilization of combination of 2% curcumin and 1% tetracycline as an alternative drug to cure skin infections as it does not produce any dermal or ocular irritation.

References:

1. Sukandar, E.Y., N.F. Kurniati, K. Anggadiredja and A. Kamil, 2016. In vitro antibacterial activity of Kaempferia pandurata and Curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb. extracts in combination with certain antibiotics against MSSA and MRSA. Int. J. Pharm. Pharm. Sci., 8: 108-111.
2. Chang, P.C., H.Y. Li, H.J. Tang, J.W. Liu, J.J. Wang and Y.C. Chuang, 2007. In vitro synergy of baicalein and gentamicin against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. J. Microbiol. Immunol. Infect., 40: 56-61.
3. Chattopadhyay, I., K. Biswas, U. Bandyopadhyay and R.K. Banerjee, 2004. Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications. Curr. Sci., 87: 44-53.
4. Na, H.S., M.H. Cha, D.R. Oh, C.W. Cho, J.H. Rhee and Y.R. Kim, 2011. Protective mechanism of curcumin against Vibrio vulnificus FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol., 63: 355-362.
5. Moghaddam, K.M., M. Iranshahi, M.C. Yazdi and A.R. Shahverdi, 2009. The combination effect of curcumin with different antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus. Int. J. Green Pharm., 3: 141-143.
6. Elin Yulinah Sukandar, Neng Fisheri Kurniati, Khairunnisa Puspatriani and Hanung Puspita Adityas, 2018. Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin in Combination with Tetracycline Against Staphylococcus aureus by Disruption of Cell Wall. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 12: 1-8.