Ancient remedy found to cure MRSA-resistant bacteria

A treatment from an early medieval medical book has been found to have powerful antibacterial effects on modern antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria including MRSA. A mixture of garlic, leek (or onion), wine and ox-bile was recreated based on instructions in an early medieval medical text. Bald’s LeechbookA 10th-century Old English manuscript on medicine.

The remedy, when prepared according to historically accurate methods including fermentation in a vessel of brass for nine days, was found to be able to eliminate 90% of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains in laboratory tests!

More than a Folk Cure

The effectiveness of the ‘eye salve’ has been confirmed not only in standard lab cultures but also against biofilms dense bacterial communities that are highly resistant to antibiotics and a major cause of persistent infections. In wound models involving mice, the remedy was more effective than some antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection.

The fact that these ingredients (garlic and onion, wine and bile), when taken individually, did not produce this effect is particularly remarkable. Antimicrobial activity is only observed when all the ingredients are combined, and the preparations are exactly as described in medieval texts. This suggests a synergistic fermentation reaction.

Understanding Bald’s Leechbook

Recipes that appear in Bald’s LeechbookThe oldest known Old English medical text is. The manuscript was compiled in the early or late 10th century and includes remedies for a variety of ailments, from skin infections to digestive problems. The manuscript reflects the medical thought of the day, which combined herbal practice, empirical observation and religious elements.

The ‘eye salve’ recipe was originally intended to treat infections of the eyelid such as a Stye but its unexpected power against MRSA has led researchers to revisit other ancient formulations in the text for possible modern applications.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom

The study is a part of AncientBiotics Project, a collaboration of microbiologists and historians to search for antimicrobial leads using historical medical knowledge. This discovery offers a rare chance to find alternative treatments in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Researchers are investigating the biochemical processes that the remedy may disrupt, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation. These mechanisms are crucial to bacterial survival, and are often targets when developing new antimicrobials.

Researchers warn against self-medicating with home-brewed versions, which could be ineffective or harmful (especially when trying to remove bile from an Ox). Researchers warn people against trying home-made versions of the remedy, as they could be harmful or ineffective (especially when attempting to remove bile off an Ox). Researchers will need to do more research before determining if the treatment is safe for modern medical usage.

After the success of their research, the University of Nottingham’s team helped to compile a book for the general public:
“AncientBiotics : Medieval Medicine & Modern Science”The book explores the science and history of traditional remedies. The book contains detailed background on Bald’s LeechbookThe MRSA experiments and other promising medieval therapies are being investigated.

This renewed interest in historical medicine shows that innovation does not always require invention—sometimes, it begins by looking backward.