In contemporary society, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has escalated into a pressing global public health concern, 1 with the proliferation of multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) presenting a formidable challenge to the management and treatment of clinical infectious diseases. The escalating complexity in treating infections, and in some cases, their untreatability, is a direct consequence of the diminished efficacy of antibiotics due to their overuse. 2 The emergence and dissemination of MDRO are predominantly can be attributed to the egregious misuse of antimicrobial agents, culminating in severe repercussions inclusive of organ dysfunction and septicemia. To date, no antibiotic has been identified that can definitively address the issue of resistant strains and the demise of antibiotics discovery brings the spectre of incurable infections. 3 It’s anticipated that the emergence of antibiotic resistance will persist, potentially even in the face of the most robust research and development efforts aimed at crafting novel pharmaceuticals. Left unaddressed, the issue of drug resistance may culminate in a scenario characterized by a lack of effective pharmaceutical interventions. Concurrently, the escalating severity of bacterial resistance is exacerbated by widespread misuse of antibiotics in both medical and agricultural settings, as highlighted by WHO as a significant threat. 4
On May 17th, 2024, WHO issued the Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024, which updates and refines the prioritization of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens to address the evolving challenges of antibiotic resistance (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240093461) with the purpose to highlight the significant global implications of infectious diseases, encompassing the burden they impose, as well as key aspects such as transmissibility, therapeutic manageability, and available preventative measures. Furthermore, the list serves to delineate the research and development trajectory for novel treatments and to track the evolution of resistance patterns. In this paper, we also used some of the bacteria in the list to ensure that the representation of the work.
Antibiotics have traditionally been the cornerstone of treating bacterial infections. However, their efficacy is waning against multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), with the emergence of “superbugs” further complicating the situation. The quest for new antibiotics has hit a bottleneck, evidenced by a dearth of recent discoveries. 5 Although theoretical frameworks, such as Wong’s 6 substructure-based approach leveraging deep learning for the discovery of new antibiotic classes, are promising, their transition to clinical application has yet to be realized. In response to these hurdles, the scientific community has shifted its focus towards innovative solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance. With a particular focus on identifying viable alternative solutions, such as the use of bacteriophages, 7 natural viruses that target and destroy specific bacteria, offering a highly specific and less resistance-prone approach. Additionally, immunotherapies, 8 a field that leverages the body's immune system to combat infections, is currently at the forefront of medical research which is redefining our understanding of how to harness the innate defenses of the body against pathogens. Concurrently, the modulation of the microbiome, 9, 10 as the intricate community of microorganisms within our bodies, is another area of research that could influence microbial balance for therapeutic purposes. These alternative strategies are not only considered as complementary to conventional antibiotics but also acting as potential replacements. 11
In the pursuit of innovative antibacterial approaches, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a noteworthy contender 12. Rooted in a deep historical context and a legacy of efficacy in treating infectious diseases, TCM operates on a multi-target antibacterial mechanism that diverges from the single-target approach of conventional antibiotics. This mechanism is characterized by a multifaceted intervention at various biological levels, potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance development. TCM’s extensive pharmacopeia of natural compounds has been a cornerstone of traditional healing for centuries, which are readily accessible and have been utilized for centuries in traditional healing practices. The diversity of natural bioactive ingredients of TCM not only provides a wide-ranging therapeutic spectrum but also suggests a reduced propensity to induce drug resistance. 12, 13
The philosophy of TCM embraces the concept of “Medicinal and Edible”, which underscores the therapeutic potential of food-derived substances. 14 This approach is rooted in the belief that such substances can not only nourish the body but also provide healing benefits without adverse effects, a principle referred to as “Piansheng”. In this context, Sang Shen Pu Gong Ying (SSPGY) beverage, produced by Hong Kong TungTakSim Biotechnology Co., Ltd., exemplifies the application of TCM principles in a modern dietary supplement. Official documents have granted approval for its sale in China and Russia, marking a significant milestone in the integration of TCM-derived products into the global healthcare market. Recent studies have indicated that SSPGY significantly inhibits the growth of multi-drug resistant bacteria as a nutritional supplement positioning it a potential ally in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The beverage’s therapeutic claims were supported by evidences, including reports of its efficacy in treating COVID-19 cases (as shown in Figure S1).
In this work, we introduced a safe and reliable medicinal and food homologous beverage-SSPGY to testify the significant anti-bacteria activity in multiple dimensions of evidences, including in-vitro antibacterial test, antibacterial test of real sputum samples and a patient with severe Klebsiella pneumoniae infection which is obviously distinct from the traditional antibiotics therapy. These findings are of great significance for the discovery and exploration of antibacterial effects and antimicrobial properties. It represents an emerging and promising alternative in antibiotic resistance treatment.