Methods: A formulation of six plant-derived compounds combined at their 1/32-1/2 MIC values was tested in vitro against two species of Borrelia recognized as causative agents of Lyme disease in North America and Europe.

Results: The results showed that a composition of baicalein, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, monolaurin, cis-2-decenoic acid, and iodine at their 1/8 MIC values has significant synergistic effect against the active and persisting latent forms. This composition revealed anti-oxidative properties affecting Borrelia’s membrane but not DNA. Finally, we observed its inhibitory effect on the release of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by human CD14+ monocytes stimulated with live Borrelia sp.

Conclusion:: These results suggest that such a formulation of compounds might be considered and further explored for its significant pleotropic anti-Borreliae efficacy. Additional in vivo and human studies are warranted to validate this possibility.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Key Words:
Borrelia spp, Persisters, Phytochemicals, Redox, Cytokines

Full Study: