The Brazilian peppertree is a ruthless invader that has spread rapidly in Florida and several other U.S. states. First introduced to the country in the 1840s, this exotic species has dense foliage that spreads dozens of feet in all directions, taking over open spaces.
Its canopy blocks other species from growing beneath it. A large peppertree produces thousands of berries, making the plant anathema to American environmentalists and landowners alike.
But there is one silver lining. The peppertree has long been said to provide antifungal, antibacterial and other medicinal benefits. Modern studies have shown a variety of uses.
Researchers writing in a Nature publication found further confirmation of the plant’s usefulness in a recent study. They reported that extract from the tree’s berries disrupts the so-called quorum-sensing properties of MRSA [mersa], a skin infection notoriously unaffected by many antibiotics that can cause widespread damage or even death.
As MRSA collects in any given area of the body, the individual bacterium excrete biochemicals to signal their presence to each other. When the germs sense there are enough of them present, they launch their attack together. MRSA’s ability to communicate this way is called quorum sensing. Other pathogens do it, too.
But the berry extract limited MRSA’s quorum-sensing power in affected mice. Doing so reduced ulcer appearance and weight loss in the animals. The researchers say it also can enhance antibiotics’ effectiveness against MRSA.
Who knew such a nuisance plant could be a key to fighting one of modern medicine’s greatest challenges?