By The Financial District
Feb 11 min
Recent research published in Microbiology Spectrum reveals that tomato juice possesses the ability to combat Salmonella Typhi and other harmful bacteria that pose risks to digestive and urinary tract health.
Antimicrobial peptides, small proteins found in tomatoes, were identified as key players in disrupting bacterial membranes and rendering them ineffective.
Salmonella Typhi, known for causing typhoid fever, was found to be susceptible to the antimicrobial properties of tomato juice, as reported by SciTechDaily.
Led by principal investigator Jeongmin Song, Ph.D., from Cornell University's Department of Microbiology & Immunology, the study investigated the efficacy of tomato juice against enteric pathogens.
Laboratory experiments confirmed tomato juice's ability to eliminate Salmonella Typhi, prompting further examination of the tomato's genome to identify the specific antimicrobial peptides responsible for this action.
Antimicrobial peptides, small proteins found in tomatoes, were identified as key players in disrupting bacterial membranes and rendering them ineffective.
Four potential antimicrobial peptides were analyzed, leading to the discovery of two peptides particularly effective against Salmonella Typhi.
Dr. Song emphasized the significance of this research, highlighting the potential of tomatoes and tomato-based products in promoting digestive and urinary tract health. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables into one's diet to combat harmful bacteria effectively.