Natural healing clay from Canada works against multi-resistant germs

Kisameet Clay: healing clay with a strong effect against multi-resistant clinical germs
Special healing clay, which has already been used by the natives of Canada, could be an effective weapon against multidrug-resistant pathogens. In a recent study, scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) investigated the effect of the so-called "Kisameet Clay" healing clay. They conclude "that this natural clay could be a therapeutic option for the treatment of severe infections". Their findings were published in the journal "mBio" of the American Society for Microbiology.

With the help of the healing earth, according to the researchers, even widespread, often resistant clinical germs such as Staphylococcus aureus or Klebsiella pneumoniae could be successfully killed. The natural clay from Kisameet Bay shows "strong antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens," according to the UBC statement. The researchers recommend that the rare mineral earth be further investigated as a clinical treatment option for infections with bacteria of the so-called ESKAPE strains.

Kisameet healing clay has proven to be effective against many antibiotic-resistant germs. (Image: jarun011 / fotolia.com)

Healing clay used for centuries
According to the researchers, the healing clay is located in an area 400 kilometers north of Vancouver and has a tonnage of approximately 400,000 tons. It was probably formed about 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, according to Shekooh Behroozian, Julian Davies and colleagues. The natives of the tribe of the Heiltsuk had appreciated the clay for centuries for its therapeutic properties and according to the traditions, for example, used in intestinal complaints, arthritis, neuritis, phlebitis, skin irritation and chemical burns.

Resistant bacteria are successfully killed
In their current study, the researchers now tested the effect of healing earth against resistant pathogens from the so-called ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species). These germs cause a large part of hospital infections and have developed effective defense mechanisms against antibacterial drugs. "Infections caused by ESKAPE bacteria are essentially untreatable and contribute to increased mortality in the hospital," says biologist Julian Davies. Kisameet clay dissolved in water, however, has successfully killed 16 strains of ESKAPE bacteria in current in vitro tests. In addition, no side effects of use were observed. The next step is therefore to test the use of Kisameet Clay in detailed clinical studies. In addition, detailed studies of the ingredients are required to determine the cause of the antibacterial effect, the researchers report. Mineralogical and chemical analyzes should provide information here.

"After more than 50 years of using and misusing antibiotics, ancient medicines and other natural minerals could be new weapons in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens," says Julian Davies. In the pharmaceutical industry, the pipeline of novel antimicrobials is essentially empty and there is a great need for new sources for the treatment of unruly infectious diseases. The current study results make it clear that the return to traditional remedies can open up completely new perspectives. (Fp)