Beat the bugs with asparagus

WITH peak asparagus season well under way the experts have given us another good reason to eat this Spring green.

Researchers in India have discovered that asparagus actually contains a powerful natural antibiotic that fights bacterial and fungal infections.

The study tested extracts from the plants on microbes taken from the mouths of oral cancer patients.

Alongside several other plants used in traditional folk medicine – including castor oil, desert dates, fenugreek and false daisy – asparagus was found to have a significant impact on the growth of the organisms in the laboratory.

Scientists now hope the herbal remedies might point the way to new treatments for drug-resistant microbes such as the ‘superbug’ MRSA.

Dr Jaya Parkash Yadav, from Maharshi Dayanand University, said: “Natural medicines are increasingly important in treating disease.”