Phytochemicals as Invaluable Sources of Potent Antimicrobial Agents to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

Plants have been used for therapeutic purposes against various human ailments for several centuries. Plant-derived natural compounds have been implemented in clinics against microbial diseases. Unfortunately, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has significantly reduced the efficacy of existing standard antimicrobials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to discover new antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens. In the present article, we have discussed the importance of plant metabolites in the context of their medicinal applications and elaborated on their mechanism of antimicrobial action against human pathogens. The WHO has categorized some drug-resistant bacteria and fungi as critical and high priority based on the need to develope new drugs, and we have considered the plant metabolites that target these bacteria and fungi. We have also emphasized the role of phytochemicals that target deadly viruses such as COVID-19, Ebola, and dengue. Additionally, we have also elaborated on the synergetic effect of plant-derived compounds with standard antimicrobials against clinically important microbes. Overall, this article provides an overview of the importance of considering phytogenous compounds in the development of antimicrobial compounds as therapeutic agents against drug-resistant microbes.

Effect of carnauba wax nanoemulsion associated with Syzygium aromaticum and Mentha piperita essential oils as an alternative to extend lychee post-harvest shelf life

“…25 Eugenol can also induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within fungal cells and thus cause damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. 27 Eugenol also impairs fungal growth by interrupting energy production, consequently inhibiting ATP synthesis. 28…”

Outlining the Phytoconstituents of Greek Clover Herb Extract and Assessment of Its Effect against Foodborne Infections Caused by Salmonella typhimurium

“…Natural sources, like plants, are considered a treasure as they contain various phytochemical compounds with various potent pharmacological actions [ 9 ]. Such plants could be used as therapeutic alternatives to combat infections caused by MDR bacterial pathogens [ 10 ].…”

Biofilm-Inhibitory Activity of Wild Mushroom Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Finding and analysing bioactive components in mushrooms are highly beneficial for reducing the growth of biofilms [ 21 ]. In this regard, the identification of antibiofilm chemicals in wild mushrooms may herald a new era in the fight against microbial disease through the development of more effective methods for dealing with drug-resistant microorganisms [ 22 ]. However, no research has been done to date to look for antibiofilm bioactive components in these five wild mushrooms from the Kenyan woodlands of Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega.…”