Baltic amber, a traditional folk medicine, has been found to contain ingredients that can kill Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant gram-positive bacteria. Despite its long-established use in traditional medicine, there has been no comprehensive research on the bioactive components of Baltic amber and its therapeutic effects. However, a team of scientists from the University of Minnesota has recently analyzed the antibacterial properties of Baltic amber. The team found dozens of chemical compounds, including Abietic acid, Dihydroabietic acid, and Palustrin, which have biological activity. The scientists then tested the antibacterial effect of these compounds on nine bacterial species, including MRSA, and found that they can kill some of the bacteria.
Baltic amber has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties have been observed in the preservation of ancient structures, such as flowers from the Cretaceous period. However, there has been little research on the bioactive components of Baltic amber and their therapeutic effects. A team of scientists from the University of Minnesota has recently analyzed the antibacterial properties of Baltic amber and found that it contains dozens of chemical compounds that have biological activity. The scientists then tested the antibacterial effect of these compounds on nine bacterial species, including MRSA, and found that they can kill some of the bacteria. Further studies are needed to determine which molecule is responsible for the effect and how the ingredients work.
