Pomegranate rinds could help fight superbugs

A lotion made from pomegranate rind could contain the secrets to effectively fighting superbugs such as MRSA.

That is according to scientists, who have created a new ointment to tackle drug-resistant infections by combining pomegranate rinds with vitamin C and other natural ingredients.

The team, from the University of Kingston, Surrey, found the lotion to be effective in tackling MRSA and hope that their research will lead to the creation of new treatments for hospital patients.

Professor Declan Naughton, a specialist in biomolecular sciences at the university, said that the new compound, which also includes metal salts, is so promising because it is made from natural ingredients.

He said: "We found that combining three ingredients gave a much more potent effect; killing off, or inhibiting, drug-resistant microbes from growing.

"It was the mix that fantastically increased the activity. It shows nature still has a few tricks up its sleeve."

In 2008, there were 1,230 death certificates in England and Wales making mention of MRSA, a 23 per cent decrease over the 1,593 recorded in 2007.

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