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January 31, 2024
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Cornell University has revealed that tomato juice possesses the remarkable ability to destroy Salmonella Typhi, a lethal human organism responsible for causing typhoid fever, along with other bacteria that can impact digestive and urinary tract health. The findings, published in Microbiology Spectrum, a magazine of the American Society for Microbiology, highlight the potential of tomatoes and their derivatives in combating enteric pathogens.
Principal study investigator, Jeongmin Song, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Cornell University, stated, “Our main goal in this study was to find out if tomato and tomato juice can kill enteric pathogens, including Salmonella Typhi, and if so, what qualities they have that make them work.”
The research began by conducting laboratory experiments to verify the efficacy of tomato juice in eliminating Salmonella Typhi. Once established, the team delved into the tomato’s genome to identify the antimicrobial peptides responsible for this bactericidal action. Antimicrobial peptides are small proteins known for impairing bacterial membranes and maintaining them as intact organisms.
Among the numerous peptides studied, the researchers identified four potential antimicrobial peptides. Subsequent testing determined that two of these peptides proved highly effective against Salmonella Typhi. Further examinations were conducted on Salmonella Typhi variants found in regions where the disease is prevalent.
The team also performed computer-based studies to gain insights into how these antibacterial peptides effectively combat Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens. Notably, the study extended its investigation to evaluate the efficacy of tomato juice against a range of enteric pathogens that pose risks to digestive and urinary tract health.
The most significant revelation from the research is the effectiveness of tomato juice in eradicating Salmonella Typhi, including its hypervirulent variants, and other harmful bacteria impacting digestive and urinary tract health. The two identified antimicrobial peptides were found to impair the bacterial membrane, a protective layer surrounding the pathogen.
“Our research shows that tomato and tomato juice can get rid of enteric bacteria like Salmonella,” noted Dr. Song.
The researchers express hope that widespread awareness of these findings, especially among children and teenagers, will encourage increased consumption of tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables. The natural antibacterial benefits of these food items could contribute significantly to consumers’ overall health. This groundbreaking study opens doors to exploring the broader potential of natural remedies in combating bacterial infections and promoting public health.
