IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world’s most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power

A research team at IIT Roorkee has found that a natural compound called thymol may help weaken stubborn superbugs and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Thymol is a plant-based substance commonly found in thyme. The study suggests it can target persister cells, bacteria that survive treatment and cause long-lasting infections, especially in Acinetobacter baumannii. This bacterium is known for causing persistent and chronic infections in hospitals.

The findings, published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal, also show that thymol may make powerful antibiotics like meropenem work better.


Early results indicate that using thymol alongside meropenem increases the antibiotic’s ability to fight infections. This could be a promising way to tackle persistent bacterial infections.

Professor Ranjana Pathania, the lead researcher, said, “Thymol’s ability to break down bacterial persistence and boost existing antibiotics offers a hopeful path to address antimicrobial resistance.”

She added, “By focusing on persister cells, we may improve treatment for chronic and recurring infections.”

The research team discovered that thymol attacks persister cells in several ways. It disrupts the bacteria’s energy production, making survival harder. It also damages the bacteria’s outer membrane, making them more vulnerable.

Thymol produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that stress and weaken bacteria. It also blocks bacterial efflux pumps, which can help antibiotics like meropenem work better.

While these findings are encouraging, more research and clinical trials are needed to confirm thymol’s use in real medical treatments.

Professor K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said, “Antimicrobial resistance is a major global problem. This study shows how natural compounds could help overcome persistent infections. It reflects our commitment to research that tackles important health challenges.”

The next stage of research will focus on improving the thymol and meropenem combination and testing its potential through further studies.

If successful in clinical trials, this approach could become a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant infections, the team said.

Inputs from agencies