| A study revealed
that cilantro, an herb that is commonly used to add flavor to several
kinds of Mexican dishes, contains a compound that could help prevent
food borne illnesses such as salmonella. The compound is called dodecenal
and is found in the leaves and seeds of cilantro.
Researchers found that dodecenal was twice as strong and more effective
than gentamicin, a widely used antibiotic treatment for salmonella.
Based on these findings researchers suggested the possibility of
using dodecenal as a tasteless food additive to help guard against
food-borne illnesses. Researchers suggested using it to create a
layer of protection over meat at processing plants or as a possible
all-purpose cleaning and hand-washing agent.
It was also discovered that cilantro contained as many as a dozen
other antibiotic compounds.
Researchers cautioned individuals not to rely solely on salsa to
protect them from food-borne illnesses and instead recommended individuals
take the proper precautions with the storing and handling of any
food. It is believed that the compound was effective at helping
prevent food-borne illnesses because it killed off the cell membrane
of the bacteria.
Journal
of Agricultural and Food Chemistry June 2, 2004;52(11):3329-32
| 