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. 1996 Jun;40(6):1438–1441. doi: 10.1128/aac.40.6.1438

Indole and (E)-2-hexenal, phytochemical potentiators of polymyxins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

A Kubo 1, C S Lunde 1, I Kubo 1
PMCID: PMC163346  PMID: 8726016

Abstract

Combinations of polymyxins and phytochemicals were tested for antimicrobial activity against two gram-negative bacteria. Various degrees of potentiation were found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with (E)-2-hexenal and indole. Three-compound combinations were found to further increase the activity of polymyxin B sulfate and colistin methanesulfonate against both bacteria. Combinations with colistin against P. aeruginosa resulted in the highest degree of potentiation, with a 512-fold increase in colistin antimicrobial activity. These results indicate the potential efficacy of phytochemical combinations with antibiotics to enhance total biological activity.

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Selected References

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