Tag Archives: Biofilms

Biofilms & Silver

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Here is another piece on Biofilms.  In this piece, Silver is mentioned as one of the most effective ways to prevent drug resistance due to biofilms as most of my patients know, I have used and recommended MSP Mild Silver Protein for decades.  This is not Colloidal, it is silver protein.  500 ppm (parts per million) makes it very accessible to penetrate cell membranes.  You will also read about Japanese Knotweed which I also use in Resveratrol. No better Resveratrol than that which originates from Knotweed.

Biofilms and Resistance

When deliberating the causes of drug resistance, the finger could be pointed at numerous roots: indiscriminate overuse of antibiotics, modern food animal production, or the global presence of antibiotic residues in the environment. In some cases such as B. burdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, the bacteria eludes treatments by assuming various forms and habitations. However, one previously unknown root that is now coming to full light is microbial biofilms. Biofilms are an adhesive matrix of polysaccharides, protein and DNA, self-produced by a colony of microbes, as a type of insulation against both foreign and native defenses. The biofilm is extraordinarily resistant to antimicrobial agents and phagocytosis. It provides a safe haven for gene transfer, microbial replication, efficient metabolism and the persistence of chronic infection. The presence of biofilms is now being recognized as the causative agent for drug resistance in many chronic infections. The application of biofilm-destroying agents is becoming essential if practitioners intend to fully eliminate certain resistant infections.Silver is a highly effective, ancient antimicrobial never known to provoke resistance nor toxicity. However, modern technology has moved away from the use of traditional silver ions (including colloidal silver) to the more potent silver nanoparticles, which have the ability to fight biofilms in addition to silver’s numerous antimicrobial properties. Silver nanoparticles are extraordinarily small (1 to 100nm), allowing full penetration of microbial cell walls and interaction at the genetic level. One study employed the use of 100μM of silver nanoparticles on P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis and found a 95 to 98 percent decrease in biofilm production, after only 2 hours of treatment. When applied to other drug-resistant microbes, including MRSA, silver nanoparticles inhibited biofilm production with the same efficacy. Silver nanoparticles are multifaceted antimicrobial agents whose depth of action exceeds others in its class, while promising no resistance.

Proteolytic enzymes offer another method for destroying biofilms. Proteolytic enzymes act as fibrolytic agents and functionally dissolve the fibrous matrix of biofilms. This allows traditional antimicrobial agents access to the microbes within. Therefore, proteolytic enzymes are used synergistically with antimicrobial agents and enhance their effect. Two common proteolytic enzymes are nattokinase and serrapeptase. Nattokinase disassembles amyloid-like fibers of the biofilm matrix. The specific actions of serrapeptase are not so clear, but its effectiveness in dissolving biofilms is quite clear. In one study, serrapeptidase was able to eradicate more biofilm-forming S. epidermidis, due to its action against the biofilm, compared to antibiotic therapy alone. Proteolytic enzymes such as nattokinase and serrapeptase are ideal choices for pairing with antibiotics and/or antimicrobials to ensure biofilms are destroyed and treatment is effective.

Many plant extracts have shown anti-biofilm activity. Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is one extract well regarded for its anti-biofilm activity and employed in the management of oral biofilms and those produced by B. burdorferi, leading to chronic Lyme disease. The management of acne vulgaris is becoming increasingly complex since long-term tetracycline use has fostered biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant P. acnes. However, Japanese knotweed was shown to inhibit P. acnes biofilm production by 99.2 percent, improving treatment outcome significantly. Japanese knotweed owes its powerful anti-biofilm actions to its rich supply of resveratrol, a compound often associated with red wine, but abundant in many plant extracts. Resveratrol, from red wine, was also found to significantly inhibit the biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, strengthening the argument for its use in the management of common antibiotic resistant infections.

Metal nanoparticles, enzyme therapy and botanicals represent the diversity that exists among agents that fight biofilms. As the need for these agents grows, this diversity may prove to be a true lifesaver as the threat of drug resistance and chronic infection looms over the horizon and warns of its potential consequences.

For additional information or to place an order for Mild Silver Protein or the Japanese Knotweed, call me at 619-231-1778 or e-mail [email protected]

Cilantro/Heavy Metal Detox

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If you are a Mexican or Asian cuisine enthusiast, you are likely familiar with the crisp, refreshing flavor of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, this incredibly popular herb not only gives these ethnic foods their delicious flare, but also possesses an array of cleansing health benefits.

Heavy Metals

In the past two decades, one quality of cilantro that has captured the attention of many is its ability to detoxify heavy metals such as mercury and lead. This discovery was first made public in a study where 400 mg of cilantro was used daily to remove excess mercury that was deposited in various organs after the removal of amalgam dental fillings. In more recent years, the use of cilantro has become more widely recognized as an adjunct treatment for detoxifying heavy metals and some chemicals such as phthlates, plasticizers, and insecticides. In a recent animal study,cilantro was able to significantly decrease lead deposition in bone and kidneys while also reducing lead induced inhibition of enzyme activity.  Such examples show how cilantro has earned its place among natural, plant-based chelating agents, although more rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine its therapeutic efficacy as a sole heavy metal detoxifier. Nevertheless, encouraging certain patients to consume copious amounts of cilantro may be warranted. These individuals would include those who frequently consume seafood that may contain traces of mercury, children or adults living in old houses with potential lead dust, paint, or water pipes, and those with dental amalgam fillings. Of course, with the increase of environmental pollution, it would be advantageous for all to become fond of this unique, culinary herb.

Reactive Oxygen Species 

Building upon the aforementioned detoxification abilities of cilantro, this herb has been found to be a superior detoxifier of reactive oxygen species, owing to the presence of various phenolic compounds. Previous studies have found high phenolic content in the leaf and seed of Coriandrum sativum, but more recent studies have found the root to contain equal quantities making this entire herb therapeutic. These compounds were studied for their anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells and found to be highly effective in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, while also arresting the cell cycle. They proved to protect DNA from free radical damage and prevent cell migration.. Thus, cilantro shows promise as an herb that could aid in protecting against cancer, primarily through its capacity to function as a powerful antioxidant.

Drug-Resistant Pathogens

It would seem that cilantro’s detoxing capability extends beyond heavy metals and free radicals, to drug-resistant pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. In the case of the latter, the essential oil from the leaves of Coriandrum sativum was discovered to have strong anti fungal activity against various species responsible for Candidiasis. The volatile compounds found within the leaves of cilantro were able to induce cell death of Candida; affect the biofilm structure; had anti-adherent and anti-proteolytic activity.. In another study, fresh cilantro leaves were dried and prepared into fresh juice, aqueous, and methanol extracts.  These were then assayed against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found to inhibit growth of all species. The antimicrobial activity of cilantro has been well established, making this herb useful for a variety of pathogen-influenced conditions, including dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

The clean, refreshing aroma of cilantro is not only appealing to the culinary artist, but also proves to be a useful tool to the clinician. Acting analogous to a multipurpose cleanser, this unique herb should be a frequent addition to any healthy lifestyle. Most salads, soups or pasta dishes are easily brightened up with the addition of fresh cilantro leaves. Salsa is the most common use for cilantro, but other sauces benefit from this herb as well. Smoothie fanatics can easily add it to their concoctions. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, cilantro is an adaptable culinary spice that promotes detoxification and health.

i have used this product Heavy Metal Detox for many years with excellent results.It is a combination of Cilantro and Chlorella–two outstanding chelators of heavy metals

Note: You do not need dozens of bottles of this product–one or two or at the most 3 should do the trick!