ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Indian researchers have discovered cannabis leaves to have an antibacterial effect against MRSA.

The team used ethanol-based tinctures containing crushed leaves of Cannabis sativa as well as other plant compounds to assess their antimicrobial properties.

Results of the study were published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine. "Ethanolic extract of C. sativa alone and in combination with T. orientalis provided two potential therapeutic agents for use against MRSA infections," claim the study's authors.

Previous studies had found cannabis to have antibacterial and antifungal properties that were capable of slowing or even stopping the spread of MRSA under controlled conditions.

MRSA is usually spread by direct contact with an infected wound or from contaminated hands, according to the US Centers for Disease Control. The condition can be difficult to treat because it has become resistant to antibiotics such as methicillin, penicillin and oxacillin. Good hand hygiene among healthcare providers is therefore strongly advised.

The Indian study was carried out by scientists from Saaii College of Medical Science and Technology and the University of Gour Banga. Cannabis is legal for medical use in some European countries including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia. Portugal, Poland and the Netherlands. In other countries - such as the UK - it can only be used for certain medical conditions such as severe cases of epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

• In July it emerged that cigarette smoke can make MRSA more resistant to antibiotics. Research carried out at the University of Bath revealed that the stress caused by cigarette smoke to S. aureus appeared to spark an emergency response which increases the rate of mutation in microbial DNA.