Curcumin and Salicylic Acid as Natural Alternative S. Epidermidis Treatment

Overview

Over the last decade, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence increased by nearly 35% worldwide. MRSA infections are most commonly found in hospitals, with the skin being the most common infection sites. Treating this drug-resistant pathogen remains a significant medical challenge, yet alternative natural therapies remain underexplored . This study investigated the antibacterial efficiency of curcumin and salicylic acid (SA) against the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis (close relative of Staphylococcus aureus) used to loosely model MRSA. SA demonstrates antibacterial effects against common skin bacteria like S. epidermidis and Acne vulgaris. Curcumin exhibits antibacterial properties and demonstrates high antimicrobial efficacy against MRSA . To observe the efficacy of natural therapies, curcumin, SA, and combined treatment solutions were each tested against S. epidermidis using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Results showed dose-dependent inhibition by curcumin, with the strongest tested treatment- 1% curcumin- best inhibiting S. epidermidis. Interestingly, SA exhibited the highest significant inhibition at its strongest concentration -6.67% SA, indicating dose dependency as well. The treatments with both antibacterial components did not enhance antibacterial efficacy beyond that of curcumin alone, suggesting a lack of synergistic effects. Ultimately, these findings highlight curcumin’s potential as a natural therapy against Staph infections, emphasizing the importance of exploring natural alternative treatments.

Competition history

• AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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