Kills or reduces the growth/reproduction of biofilms.
Biofilms are treatment resistant colonies of mixed microbial flora that live together synergistically.
In-vitro activity does not necessarly correlate with in-vivo activity [ORWJr].
One way to disrupt biofilm formation is to interrupt microbial communication, also known as quorum sensing (QS) [selfhacked].
Bacteria conummicate via a stimuli and response system using various signaling molecules. This system is triggered by bacterial population density and is known as quorum sensing (QS). QS determines gene regulation of virulence factors, biofilm production and antibiotic resistance [Winston2017].
Many plants, essential oils and phytochemicals have been found to possess anti-quorum sensing activity which can inhibit bacterial virulence and prevent biofilm production. Certain phytochemicals especially plant phenolics (gallotannins, flavonoids, stilbenes, proanthocyanandins, coumarins and phenylpropoanoids), terpenes (monoterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes) and organosulpher compounds from Garlic have significant levels of activity [Winston2017].
Medically significant biofilms often are mixed colonies of fungi and bacteria. Therefore, for treatment of biofilm-based infections, include broad spectrum agents which possess both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Also include agents that enhance local immunity. Combinations of herbal and pharmaceutical agents are often synergistic, and are often more powerful than either on its own [Bergner2021b].
- David Winston. Treatment of bacterial MDR with Botanical Therapies. 2017 SW Conference
- https://selfhacked.com/blog/44-science-backed-ways-to-inhibit-biofilms-naturally-with-references/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3302586/