Anna Goc, Gebhard Gehring, Hartmut Baltin, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki and Matthias Rath

Abstract: Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. However, after their administration, about 20% of patients experience delayed onset of this illness manifesting as lingering persistent symptoms.

A. Goc, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath

Abstract: Background: Borrelia sp., is a causative pathogen of Lyme disease which has become a worldwide health concern. Non-toxic approaches especially directed toward latent persistent forms of this pathogen are desired. Lipids in the form of volatile and non-volatile oils, and fatty acids with proven anti-borreliae efficacy could become an additional support or an alternative for consideration in treatment approaches.

A. Goc , A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath

J Nutri Bio, 5(1): 350-363 (2019)

Abstract: Background: Borrelia sp., which is a pathogenic agent of Lyme diseases in mammals, has become an increasing problem worldwide due to the emergence of persistence. In this study we investigated whether a defined composition of naturally occurring substances could display a broad and synergistic action in vitro against both active and persistent forms of Borrelia spp.

Anna Goc, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath

Journal of Applied Microbiology 2017, 123(3): 637-650

Abstract: Aims: Borrelia spp., a causative pathogenic factor of Lyme disease, has become a major public health threat. Current treatments based on antibiotics often lead to relapse after their withdrawal. Naturally derived substances that could work synergistically to display higher efficacy compared to the individual components may serve as a resource for the development of novel approaches to combat both active and latent forms of Borrelia spp.

Anna Goc, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath

Journal of Applied Microbiology 2015, 119: 1561-1572

Abstract:
AIMS:  Little is known about the effects of phytochemicals against Borrelia sp. causing Lyme disease. Current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. This study examined the anti-borreliaea efficacy of several plant-derived compounds and micronutrients. METHODS AND RESULTS:  We tested the efficacy of 15 phytochemicals and micronutrients against three morphological forms of Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia garinii: spirochetes, latent rounded forms and biofilm. The results showed that the most potent substances against the spirochete and rounded forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii were cis-2-decenoic acid, baicalein, monolaurin, and kelp (iodine); whereas, only baicalein and monolaurin revealed significant activity against the biofilm. Moreover, cis-2-decenoic acid, baicalein, and monolaurin did not cause statistically significant cytotoxicity to human HepG2 cells up to 125 μg ml-1 , and kelp up to 20 μg ml-1 .

Anna Goc and Matthias Rath

Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease 2016, 3(3-4): 75-82

Abstract: Naturally occurring substances have been used for centuries to fight against various pathogens. They serve as a source for new chemical entities or provide options to already existing therapeutics. While there is an increasing interest in studying antimicrobial properties of naturally derived agents, little is known about their effects against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative pathogens of Lyme disease.

Anna Goc, Alexandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath

Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, California 95050, USA.

International Journal of Biological Sciences 2016; 12(9): 1093-1103

Abstract: Phytochemicals and micronutrients represent a growing theme in antimicrobial defense; however, little is known about their anti-borreliae effects of reciprocal cooperation with antibiotics. A better understanding of this aspect could advance our knowledge and help improve the efficacy of current approaches towards Borrelia sp.