Authenticating apple cider vinegar's home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect

Nat Prod Res. 2019 Mar;33(6):906-910. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567. Epub 2017 Dec 11.

Abstract

These are the days when one would go online first seeking home remedies before seeing a doctor. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one such popular yet scientifically under-validated remedy. Our results prove the unequivocal antimicrobial activity of ACV to be true at full strength concentrations. However, the activity cannot be generalised because although strong antibacterial activity was observed at 25% concentrations, in terms of antifungal activity, yeasts, especially Candida were found to be less susceptible. The antimicrobial/antioxidant properties are ascertained to the total phenolic contents of ACV, as confirmed by our characterisation of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. When checking for its cytotoxicity, ACV exhibited toxicity even at concentrations as low as 0.7%. These results indicate that there is no question of generalising the idea of ACV usage, instead more in vitro and in vivo validations are necessary in order to precisely weigh the pros and cons of ACV.

Keywords: Apple cider vinegar; anti-influenza; antibacterial; antifungal; home remedy.

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Malus / chemistry*
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acetic Acid