Phytotherapy as an alternative to conventional antimicrobials: combating microbial resistance

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and novel viruses presents a significant global health challenge.
• Combating AMR necessitates integrated strategies, including novel antibiotic development, alternative therapies, and pathogen detection.
• Natural products, particularly herbal medicines, offer a promising source of structurally diverse antimicrobial compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review conventional strategies for controlling microbial resistance.
• To highlight specific herbal medicines as potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobials.
• To discuss the advantages of natural products in addressing infections caused by sensitive and resistant microbial strains.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of conventional antimicrobial resistance control strategies.
• Exploration of existing research on herbal medicines with antimicrobial properties.
• Analysis of the potential benefits of herbal products, including broad-spectrum activity and immunostimulatory effects.

Main Results:

• Herbal medicines exhibit simultaneous antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and/or antiviral activities.
• These natural products can enhance host resistance, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Combined antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties may mitigate the development of resistance to herbal medicines.

Conclusions:

• Herbal medicines represent a valuable resource for developing alternative treatments against microbial infections.
• Standardized pre-clinical and clinical testing guidelines are crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety of herbal antimicrobials.
• Further research and implementation of herbal medicines can complement conventional approaches in the fight against AMR.