Peppermint Oil and Cinnamon Could Help Treat Chronic Wounds

09 Jul 2015 --- Scientists have found a way to collect antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon in tiny capsules that can both kill biofilms (infectious colonies of bacteria that develop on chronic wounds), and actively promote healing. The research, which is highlighted in the journal ACS Nano, indicates that the new material could be used as a topical antibacterial treatment and disinfectant.

Many bacteria clump together in sticky plaques in a way that makes them difficult to eliminate with traditional antibiotics. Doctors sometimes recommend cutting out infected tissues. This approach is costly, however, and because it's invasive, many patients opt out of treatment altogether. 

Essential oils and other natural compounds have emerged recently as alternative substances that can get rid of pathogenic bacteria, but researchers have had a hard time translating their antibacterial activity into treatments. Vincent M. Rotello and colleagues wanted to address this challenge.

The researchers packaged peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde, the compound in cinnamon responsible for its flavor and aroma, into silica nanoparticles. The microcapsule treatment was effective against four different types of bacteria, including one antibiotic-resistant strain. It also promoted the growth of fibroblasts, a cell type that is important in wound healing.

The authors acknowledge funding from Firmenich, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.