NOT JUST SUPERFICIAL. Clay is commonly used for pottery, tennis courts, and even facial treatments. However, research now indicates that at least one variety of clay serves a far more important purpose: aiding the body’s healing process.
A study conducted by researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University has found that Oregon blue clay can eliminate bacteria in wounds—including strains that are resistant to conventional treatments.
The findings were published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.
REMARKABLE CLAY. In laboratory tests, the scientists discovered that Oregon blue clay destroyed multiple types of bacteria frequently responsible for wound infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and MRSA, a notoriously difficult-to-treat form of Staphylococcus aureus.
The clay also proved effective against bacteria growing as biofilms—tenacious layers that form when bacteria attach to surfaces and are seen in about two-thirds of infections.
ENDING THE RESISTANCE. In December 2016, the United Nations (UN) officially recognized antibiotic resistance—the ability of bacteria to evolve and withstand medical treatments—as a global crisis.
We are not developing new drugs quickly enough to match the pace at which bacteria are evolving resistance. However, the discovery that Oregon blue clay can kill even resistant bacteria may help shift the tide.
The research team plans to conduct further studies to understand the exact mechanism by which the clay kills bacteria. Once that is determined, they may be able to synthesize the active compound in a laboratory and add it to our toolkit for combating antibiotic resistance.
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