An investigation carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) has revealed that garlic has the ability to fight against resistant bacteria and can be used to combat chronic infections, such as cystic fibrosis, or the wounds suffered by diabetic patients.

The research was carried out by a team led by Michael Givskov, a scientist who has been analyzing the effects of garlic on bacteria since 2005. These researchers identified the compound responsible for this antibacterial action in 2012. It is an active sulfurous compound, which is called ajoene and that is capable of destroying important components in the communication systems of bacteria, which involve RNA regulatory molecules. In addition, it also attacks the protective layer that covers the microorganism, called biofilm.

The new study, published in the Scientific Reportsmagazine, examines the ajoene more closely and documents its ability to inhibit small regulatory RNA molecules in two types of bacteria, staphylococcus aureus and pseudo-monasaeruginosa. The garlics ajoene can fight both bacteria at once, so it could be used as a reinforcement of antibiotics.

"We really believe that this method can lead to the treatment of those patients who otherwise have few other prospects," said Tim Holm, one of the researchers. "We have enough knowledge to continue developing garlic-based medicine and test it in patients." If the clinical trials have good results, they can start to market the drug.