Microbial Infections
There are some pathogens that can invade the body of humans and cause different infectious diseases. These are termed microbial pathogens and the diseases caused by them are termed infections.
Around less than 1% of bacteria on earth are pathogenic and have the potential to enter the human body and cause diseases.
These microorganisms can enter the human body through multiple routes. The major routes used by these organisms to enter the body and cause disease are:
Skin if there are some breaks on its surface.
Respiratory tract including mouth and the nose.
GI tract.
Urinogenital tract
After entering the body, these microorganisms reach the target site where they have to attack their host [1].
At the target site, they keep on multiplying to increase their number.
They start obtaining their nutrients and food from the host once they get attached to their target site.
They also protect themselves from the attack of the immune system of the host and it is necessary for their survival in the body of the host.
So, they keep surviving and infecting the body of the host.
Prevention of Microbial Infections
Research studies have highlighted different factors that are associated with increasing the risk for microbes to attack the body of a person.
The following factors have been reported, exposure to any of these increases the chances of getting pathogenic infections [2].
Age
Gender
Family history
Socioeconomic status
Behavior
Poor hygiene
No access to safe drinking water
Unsanitary living style
Using contaminated food
Use of contaminated water for drinking purposes
Similarly, if the immune system of a person is weak due to some other disease or by use of some medications, this can also increase the risk of getting infections by microorganisms as the immune system cannot detect them.
If a person is continuously being exposed to some environmental factors such as pesticides and other polluting agents, this can also increase the risk of getting pathogenic infections.
If these factors are identified and exposure to them is reduced, then ultimately the risk of getting the infections is also decreased [3].
Some strategies have also been devised that can help the person in the prevention of infectious disorders. These include:
Vaccination
Safe handling and preparation of food
No use of contaminated water
Hand hygiene
Proper sanitation system
Other hygiene practices
So, by using these practices, the risk of getting infections from microorganisms can be prevented.
Treatment Strategies
Many substances available in the market that are used to kill the microbes such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other parasites or stop their growth are termed anti-microbial agents.
These anti-microbial substances are classified into different types and this classification is based on the function that substance is performing. Such as fungicidal is the agent that will kill the fungi while bacteriostatic is the one that will stop the growth of bacteria. Similarly, many other such agents are available in the market [4].
These substances can be natural or synthetically produced and they help in killing the microbes by different mechanisms or processes such as:
They can break the cell membrane of microbes.
They can disrupt the cell wall of pathogens.
The substance can also alter the signal transduction pathways in pathogen so that it cannot perform its function well.
They can also interfere with the DNA replication processes in the nucleus of pathogens.
These substances also have the potential to interfere with the protein synthesis mechanisms of pathogens.
These substances may have side effects along with treating the infections caused by pathogens in the human body and should be used if prescribed by the physician.
Nowadays, science is moving towards herbal medications that have the least side effects. EGCG is one such herbal compound that has no side effects and acts very effectively against pathogens. Another positive point of using this compound is that it is a scientifically proven compound [5].
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate)
It is an important compound obtained from a unique plant. It has been found that many health benefits can be obtained from this precious compound.
It can help in many bad health conditions including inflammation, cancer, and heart and brain disorders. This compound is also helpful in weight loss.
It is normally called catechin. Catechins are very important antioxidant compounds. So, it can protect the cells from oxidative damage that may be caused by free radicals in the cells.
EGCG is found in many of the foods that are in our daily use. Some of these foods containing EGCG include:
Some fruits include strawberries, blackberries, pears, cherries, peaches, apples, and avocados.
Tea (black, green, and white)
Nuts including pistachios and pecans.
It is also found in dark chocolate, red wine, and legumes.
EGCG is a well-researched catechin with a lot of health benefits for humans [6].
Research has also proven it to be very beneficial for maintaining normal body weight and helping in reducing weight in many disorders. Many experiments have been performed for this purpose that will be discussed later in this article.
Many bad health conditions can be treated using this precious compound.
The most common health benefits that can be obtained from this compound include:
Help with cardiovascular disorders.
Neuroprotective properties.
It is an anti-allergy compound.
It has anti-microbial properties.
Improves the cognitive functions of the body.
It helps in weight loss.
Promotes osteogenesis.
Boosts the metabolism of the body.
It is an anti-aging compound.
Killing of malignant cells.
It boosts the immune system of the body.
Reduces oxidative stress.
Reduces inflammation.
It maintains healthy skin.
EGCG is an important compound that helps in the treatment of many disorders and works via different mechanisms of action in the body [7].
The most common ways by which EGCG can help the body improve its health conditions are as follows:
The process of oxidation is crucial to maintaining the body's health. We categorize EGCG as an antioxidant based on the chemical structure of the compound. The ring structure in the ECGC traps the free electrons and prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species. It also possesses anti-inflammatory action by targeting the NF-KB pathway and increasing the anti-inflammatory substance’s gene expression.
Moreover, EGCG has demonstrated therapeutic and preventative effects in a variety of human malignancies. Several theories have been put out to explain how EGCG inhibits the development and spread of cancer.
One of the most prevalent and dangerous illnesses affecting humans is cancer. Both the scientific community and the general public have paid close attention to EGCG as a natural substance.
Several skincare treatments for anti-aging contain green tea extract or EGCG. This is so that the chemical can promote young and healthy-looking skin by increasing skin elasticity. Minimizing wrinkles, enhancing moisture retention, and improving skin texture, also slows down the aging process of the skin.
The prooxidant effects of EGCG were considered to represent possible anticancer action mechanisms. Depending on the cell type, dosage, and/or timing of the therapy, several anticancer strategies were used [8].
Several research studies have looked at the mechanisms behind the anti-obesity benefits of EGCG in both cellular and animal models. It can reduce weight through its fat-burning property.
Anti-microbial Roles of EGCG
Many experimental studies have been performed which have confirmed the significance of EGCG in treating microbial infections.
These studies have shown that EGCG can kill the microbes and help in preventing as well as treating infections caused by them. It can do so by acting through different processes.
The bacteria which cause infection need to adhere to the surfaces in the host body. It has been found that EGCG prevents such bacteria from attaching to the host body as well as inhibiting the formation of biofilms by these bacteria. In this way, it can prevent the infections caused by these bacteria as well as help in treating the impairment and stopping its recurrence [9].
EGCG can also kill pathogens by damaging their cell membranes. Thus, curing the infection and alleviating the symptoms caused by these microbes in the body.
It has also been found that EGCG can inhibit the production of many enzymes in the body of bacteria. These enzymes are essential for the survival and proliferation of these microbes. So, it can stop the growth and division of these microorganisms and prevent the infections caused by them.
EGCG also has crucial roles in stimulating the immune system of the host to fight against infections that are caused by pathogens. In this way, the infection is cured easily, and pathogens are killed by the host body naturally [10].
This crucial compound, EGCG, can also be used in combination with the medications available for treating microbial infections and increase the effectiveness of these therapies. Mostly, when bacteria become resistant to the available antibiotics, EGCG can be used along with these drugs and can help in increasing their efficacy in those bacteria.
By acting through any of these processes, EGCG can easily kill pathogens and help in curing infections as well as helps in preventing many disorders caused by these pathogens.
Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data
Studies have been performed to scientifically confirm the anti-microbial roles of EGCG in animal models as well as in humans.
A preclinical study was performed in animal models and the S. aureus bacteria was observed. These animals had infections and were given EGCG. The growth of bacteria was checked before and after the treatment. It was observed that after treatment with EGCG, the bacteria were either killed or their growth was stopped, and this resulted in the alleviation of all symptoms of the infection in these animal models.
Another study was performed in rats as animal models having gastric infections which were caused by H. pylori bacteria. These rats were given the EGCG compound and significant results were seen as the growth of these bacteria was stopped and all the symptoms of infection disappeared in the rats after treatment with EGCG [12].
Similar preclinical studies were also done in animal models with the infections of M. tuberculosis and C. albicans. The treatments with EGCG showed positive outcomes in all these studies. Experiments were also performed on human patients with microbial infections and the safety and efficacy of EGCG were observed in humans.
A clinical study was done in human patients with H. pylori infection in their GI tract. All these patients were randomly given both antibiotics and an EGCG compound or just antibiotics. It was observed that the patients who were given EGCG with medication had more significant results in reducing the growth of this bacteria and curing infection as compared to patients who were given just available medicines. Moreover, the side effects were also negligible in patients who were treated with both antibiotics and EGCG [13].
Another study was performed on human patients with an infection of the gums called periodontitis. It affects the gums as well as the bone around the teeth. These patients were given EGCG, and significant outcomes were obtained. The bacteria causing this disorder were killed by this crucial compound and pain and inflammation were reduced substantially.
A study was also performed on human patients with atopic dermatitis disorder. These patients were treated with a cream that contained EGCG. Positive outcomes were seen after the treatment with EGCG as it reduced the symptoms by killing the pathogen causing the disorder.
Clinical study was performed that consisted of different patients having dental caries. These patients were randomly given either a placebo or an EGCG compound. The patients who were given EGCG had significant outcomes as compared to patients who were given control. EGCG killed all the types of bacteria that were responsible for causing dental caries [14].
So, EGCG is a promising therapy for killing the microbes that can cause disorders in body of humans. It can be used either as a nutraceutical or medication (either monotherapy or combinational therapy).
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