Interference of flavonoids and carotenoids on the antimicrobial activity of some drugs against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The use of phytonutrients in pharmaceutical dosage forms aiming a healthier lifestyle has increased worldwide, and in spite of being generally an useful healthcare measure, this is not free of risks when concomitant medication use is considered. The combined use of phytonutrients and medication remains poorly investigated, and represents a serious problem in drug therapy, given that side effects due to drug-nutrient interactions are poorly predictable. In this study, three drugs were tested in combination to lycopene beta-carotene (carotenoids), diosmin and curcumin (flavonoids) against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Strains identity was confirmed by automated methods and the interference of phytomolecules on the pharmacological activity of the chosen drugs was assessed in vitro using antimicrobial disks. Here we show that lycopene, beta-carotene, diosmin and curcumin can act synergistically when combined to antimicrobial drugs against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. In vivo studies are necessary for assessing the biological effects of these interactions considering clinical contexts. (C) All Rights Reserved