Reducing Salmonella Infections with Kumquat Fruit Extract

Jenn Hoskins
12th July, 2024

Reducing Salmonella Infections with Kumquat Fruit Extract

Kumquat (Fortunella japonica)

Photo adapted from: Toby Y / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University found that Kumquat methanol extract (FJME) can effectively inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhimurium
  • The study identified 39 compounds in FJME, with palmitic acid and cis-vaccenic acid being the major active constituents showing significant antibacterial properties
  • FJME not only fights bacterial infection but also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, improving liver and spleen health in infected models
The growing problem of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens, particularly foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, has necessitated the search for novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics. A recent study conducted by researchers at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University[1] has explored the antibacterial potential of Kumquat (Fortunella japonica) methanol extract (FJME) against clinical isolates of Salmonella typhimurium, a common cause of foodborne illness. Kumquat, a small citrus fruit, was chosen for its diverse pharmacologically active phytochemicals. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), the study identified 39 compounds in the FJME, with palmitic acid (15.386%) and cis-vaccenic acid (15.012%) being the major active constituents. These compounds were found to exhibit significant antibacterial properties. The study demonstrated that FJME had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 128 to 512 µg/mL in vitro, indicating its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella typhimurium. Additionally, the in vivo antibacterial action of FJME was validated using a systemic infection model. This model showed that FJME improved the histological features of the liver and spleen, which are often affected by systemic infections. Furthermore, the study observed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the levels of oxidative stress markers, such as nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This suggests that FJME not only combats the bacterial infection but also mitigates the oxidative stress associated with it. The gene expression analysis revealed a downregulation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) and an upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10), indicating an anti-inflammatory effect of FJME. This research ties into previous studies highlighting the public health threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For instance, the increased demand for animal protein in developing countries has led to intensive farming practices, resulting in antibiotic residues in animal products and subsequent antibiotic resistance[2]. The findings of the current study offer a potential solution to this issue by presenting a plant-based antibacterial alternative. Salmonella, a significant foodborne pathogen, is responsible for numerous gastrointestinal disorders and foodborne outbreaks globally[3][4]. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella variants has further complicated efforts to control its spread. The current study's findings provide a promising new approach to combating Salmonella infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics. Previous research has shown that Salmonella can develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, making it crucial to monitor antimicrobial resistance profiles and implement proper antibiotic stewardship[5]. The FJME study presents an alternative that could help reduce the reliance on traditional antibiotics and curb the spread of resistant strains. In summary, the study conducted by Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University highlights the potential of Kumquat methanol extract as an effective antibacterial agent against Salmonella typhimurium. The identification of active compounds and their demonstrated efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models suggest that FJME could be a valuable alternative to traditional antibiotics. Future clinical investigations are warranted to further explore the antibacterial action of FJME on other foodborne pathogens, potentially offering a new avenue for addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

FruitsMedicineBiochem

References

Main Study

1) In Vivo and in Vitro Mitigation of Salmonella Typhimurium Isolates by Fortunella Japonica Fruit Extract.

Published 9th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-024-03770-1

Related Studies

2) Antibiotic Use in Agriculture and Its Consequential Resistance in Environmental Sources: Potential Public Health Implications.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040795

3) Salmonella, Food Safety and Food Handling Practices.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050907

4) Human Salmonellosis: A Continuous Global Threat in the Farm-to-Fork Food Safety Continuum.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091756

5) Bacterial Pathogens in the Food Industry: Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors of Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated from Food Chain Links.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111323


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