Organic flaxseed oil could be a new line of defence against the superbug golden staph (Staphylococcus aureus) according to Australia’s top government science agency, the CSIRO.
The agency collaborated with start-up company Kayban to develop anti-microbial healthcare products using the oil.
“The challenge was to come up with a cost-effective manufacturing technology that consistently produced excellent quality, highly enriched alpha-linolenic acid,” CSIRO organic chemist, Dr Peter Duggan said.
“What we’ve achieved is a smarter, more efficient process that’s been pivotal in Kayban’s journey to commercialising a unique saleable product.”
Testing shows the products are fast-acting and effective at killing golden staph, the cause of many hospital-acquired infection cases.
Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with known anti-microbial properties. Kayban Director, Frank Palermo, said the products will be marketed under the brand Bio3 Guardian.
“Our products contain a unique antimicrobial formula that uses natural flaxseed oil properties, instead of ethanol, to kill bad bacteria while leaving essential good bacteria intact,” Palermo said.
Originally published by Cosmos as Flaxseed oil helps fight against golden staph
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
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