Biofilm Disruption Enhances Antimicrobial Therapy for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth
Ruscio M, Guard G, O'Dwyer D, Darville R, Klopf H, Abbott R, et al.
Published in Cureus, Vol. 17 (12), pp. e99116
Methodology
Retrospective chart review of 13 patients with SIBO, intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO) or both, previously randomised to an 8-week herbal antimicrobial protocol alone (n=5) or with biofilm disruptors (n=8). The first-month formula supplied 60 mg oregano oil per capsule, taken as 4 capsules twice daily.
Key Findings
Hydrogen fell more with biofilm disruptors (-30.75 vs -11.40 ppm), as did methane (-26.38 vs -2.00 ppm). Of 7 hydrogen-positive patients, 5 cleared SIBO (3 of 5 with biofilm agents, 2 of 2 without; not significant); no patient cleared methane overgrowth (IMO).
Conclusions
Adding a biofilm disruptor was associated with larger falls in breath gases; larger controlled studies are needed.
Limitations
Very small, retrospective, no arm without herbs, and the lead author owns the company that makes the formulas tested.
Supplements Studied
herbal antimicrobials are emerging as alternatives to rifaximin
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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