Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some essential oils against multidrug resistant bacteria

Morphological, molecular identification and evaluation of antioxidant activity of seahorses from the Moroccan coasts

Seahorses, part of the small marine teleost fish family Syngnathidae, are increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Notably used in traditional Chinese medicine, these fish have demonstrated significant pharmacological and cosmetic properties. In Morocco, however, seahorses are minimally exploited. This study aims to explore the biodiversity of Moroccan seahorses, focusing on identifying species from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts both morphologically and molecularly, and evaluating their antioxidant activity. The research involved collecting 62 dried seahorses from local fishermen. These specimens were subjected to detailed morphological and molecular identification through the DNA barcoding method, concentrating on the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. Following DNA extraction and amplification, the sequences were analyzed for species identification and phylogenetic relationships. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of the seahorses were quantified using assays such as ABTS, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and β-carotene-linoleic acid. The combined morphological and molecular analyses consistently identified all specimens as Hippocampus hippocampus, and phylogenetic trees suggested a close relation with European and Turkish counterparts. Furthermore, the antioxidant assays revealed significant activity, with the ABTS assay showing an IC50 of 14.571 mg/mL ± 0.334, and the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay showing an IC50 of 1.273 mg/mL ± 0.166. The reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assays recorded EC50 values of 1.868 mg/mL ± 0.033 and 1.156 mg/mL ± 0.112, respectively. These results confirm the high antioxidant potential of Moroccan seahorses, suggesting their therapeutic value and necessitating measures for their biodiversity preservation at a national level.

Effect of ginger essential oil and 6-gingerol on a multispecies biofilm of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of ginger essential oil (GEO) and 6-gingerol on a multispecies biofilm formed by Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a polypropylene surface. The minimum inhibitory concentration concentrations obtained for GEO were 100 and 50 mg/mL and for 6-gingerol 1.25 mg/mL. Sessile cell counts ranged within 5.35-7.35 log CFU/cm2 in the control biofilm, with the highest sessile growth at 72 h. GEO treatments acted on the total population regardless of concentration at 1 and 48 h. L. monocytogenes behaved similarly to the total population, showing GEO action at 1 h and keeping the same pattern at 48, 72, and 96 h. Better action on S. Typhimurium was obtained at times of 1, 72, and 96 h. P. aeruginosa showed logarithmic reduction only when treated with GEO 50 mg at 24 h. As for 6-gingerol, in general, there was no significant action (p > 0.05) on the evaluated sessile cells. GEO showed antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa, acting as an inhibitor of biofilm formation. As for 6-gingerol, it was considered a possible antimicrobial agent but without efficacy during biofilm formation.

Caccinia macranthera Brand var. macranthera: Phytochemical analysis, phytotoxicity and antimicrobial investigations of essential oils with concomitant in silico molecular docking based on OPLS force-field

This study was conducted to extract the essential oils (EOs) of Caccinia macranthera identify their phytochemicals, evaluate their phytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and enzyme inhibition effects using in silico molecular docking technique. EOs of aerial parts, seeds, and roots of C. macranthera were extracted and analyzed via Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The antibacterial activity of EOs were determined on nine microorganisms via disk diffusion and microbroth dilution assays. In addition, the allelopathic properties of EOs were investigated by calculating the IC50s for inhibition of germination, seedling length and seedling weight growth of Cuscuta campestris seeds. In order to assess the possible inhibitory effect of major components of C. macranthera EOs on enzymes inhibiting germination and plant growth, molecular docking was employed against the glutamine synthetase (GS), acetohydroxyacid synthetase (AHAS), and 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzymes. The main compounds of EOs from aerial parts, seeds, and roots EOs were dihydrocarveol (29.5%), Trimethyl-2-Pentadecanone (13.6%), and Palmitic acid (16.8%), respectively. The maximum antibacterial effect was related to the aerial parts EO against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Phytotoxicity analysis exhibited a concentration-dependent increase (p ≤ 0.05) activity. The aerial parts EO demonstrated a substantial allelopathy effect, with IC50 values of 0.22 ± 0.026, 0.39 ± 0.021, and 0.20 ± 0.025 mg/mL, respectively, on inhibitory germination, seedling length and seedling weight growth of Cuscuta campestris seeds. Molecular docking analyzes showed that Oleic acid was suitable for dynamic stabilization of HPPD (-6.552 kJ/mol) and GS (-7.265 kJ/mol) and Eupatoriochromene had the inhibitory potential against AHAS, with docking score of -4.189 kJ/mol. The current research demonstrated that C. macranthera EOs from its aerial parts have an acceptable phytotoxic activity against Cuscuta campestris weed. The major components of EOs, Oleic acid and Eupatoriochromene, presented the strongest binding with HPPD, GS, and AHAS active sites causing disturbance in germination, photosynthesis and weed growth suggesting it as a natural herbicide for controlling the weeds.

The Phytochemical Tactics for Battling Antibiotic Resistance in Microbes: Secondary Metabolites and Nano Antibiotics Methods

One of the most serious threats to human health is antibiotic resistance, which has left the world without effective antibiotics. While continuous research and inventions for new antibiotics are going on, especially those with new modes of action, it is unlikely that this alone would be sufficient to win the battle. Furthermore, it is also important to investigate additional approaches. One such strategy for improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics is the discovery of adjuvants. This review has collected data from various studies on the current crisis and approaches for combating multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens using phytochemicals. In addition, the nano antibiotic approaches, are discussed, highlighting the high potentials of essential oils, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and nano antibiotics in combating antibiotic resistance.

The comparative perspective of phytochemistry and biological properties of the Apiaceae family plants

Despite the availability of numerous reports on the discovery of medicinal plant compounds and their properties, one may encounter contradictory results released by these reports at the level of plant families and even within species. To establish an accurate perspective of the Apiaceae family, this study examined the fruit essential oil and methanolic extract of wild and common species of this family. According to the measurement of the antioxidant property in the methanolic extract of the fruits using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ferula gummosa, Pimpinella anisum and Cuminum cyminum have high power in inhibiting free radicals. However, Bunium persicum had the strongest DPPH radicals inhibitory potential among all essential oils. The results of antimicrobial tests and their classification analysis showed that C. cyminum and B. persicum fruit essential oil with a high amount of cuminaldehyde had the most antibacterial properties. At the same time, the antifungal properties of H. persicum essential oil (rich in aliphatic ester) were stronger than those of the all the studied plants. Also, the essential oils of F. gummosa and Kelussia odoratissima had favourable antimicrobial properties compared to other studied plants. The investigation of the bacterial structure by scanning electron microscope confirmed the effect of the applied essential oils dose and their antibacterial potential. In general, for the first time, this paper determined the biological values of the fruit essential oil of some wild plants, such as K. odoratissima and H. persicum. Besides, in vitro examination and the mathematical models provided a suitable classification, which makes a comprehensive view in terms of the properties of the Apiaceae family.

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activity of Colombian Essential Oils against Different Candida Strains

Most Candida species are opportunistic pathogens with the ability to form biofilms, which increases their resistance to antifungal drug therapies and the host immune response. Essential oils (EOs) are an alternative for developing new antimicrobial drugs, due to their broad effect on cellular viability, cell communication, and metabolism. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of fifty EOs on C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, and Candida auris CDC B11903. The EOs’ antifungal activity was measured by means of a broth microdilution technique to determine the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MICs/MFCs) against the different Candida spp. strains. The effects on biofilm formation were determined by a crystal violet assay using 96-well round-bottom microplates incubated for 48 h at 35 °C. The EOs from Lippia alba (Verbenaceae family) carvone-limonene chemotype and L. origanoides exhibited the highest antifungal activity against C. auris. The L. origanoides EOs also presented antifungal and antibiofilm activity against all three Candida spp., thus representing a promising alternative for developing new antifungal products focused on yeast infections, especially those related to biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance.

Therapeutic Potential of Clove Essential Oil in Diabetes: Modulation of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Enzyme Activities

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insulin deficiency due to the destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading to hyperglycemia, which in turn induces vascular complications. In the current study, we investigated the effect of intraperitoneal administration of clove essential oil (CEO: 20 mg/kg body weight) on certain oxidative stress and glucose metabolism enzymes, as well as the expression of proinflammatory mediators. Administration of CEO to diabetic rats showed a significant decline in blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, and xanthine oxidase, compared to the streptozotocin group. Furthermore, these treated rats elicited a notable attenuation in the levels of lipid peroxides, and thiols groups in both liver and brain tissues. The activities of antioxidant and metabolic enzymes were reverted to normality in diabetic upon CEO administration. In addition to its protective effects on red blood cell hemolysis, CEO is a potent α-amylase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ =298.0±2.75 μg/mL. Also, treatment of diabetic rats with CEO significantly reduced the iNOS expression in the spleen. Our data showed that CEO has potential beneficial effects on diabetes, which can possibly prevent the pathogenesis of diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Three Mediterranean Plants against Eighteen Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi

The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) obtained from three medicinal plants of the Moroccan flora were evaluated. The chemical composition of EOs of Thymus leptobotrys, Laurus nobilis and Syzygium aromaticum was determined using a gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry. Carvacrol (75.05%) was the main constituent of T. leptobotrys EOs, while 1,8-cineole (31.48%) and eugenol (82.16%) were the predominant components of L. nobilis and S. aromaticum EOs, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the EOs was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively against 18 microbial strains pathogenic to humans by using the disc diffusion method, and by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC). The EOs of T. leptobotrys were the most active against the strains tested, with inhibitory zone values ranging from 7.00 to 45.00 mm, and MIC and MMC values ranging from 0.312 to 80.00 mg/mL. In many cases, these EOs exhibited higher antibacterial and antifungal activities than the chemical compounds ciprofloxacin and fluconazole, respectively. This high antimicrobial activity can be ascribed to their richness in carvacrol. The EOs of T. leptobotrys, L. nobilis, and S. aromaticum could be considered a promising alternative to replace chemical antimicrobials, and a readily available natural source of bioactive compounds.

Analysis of the chemical compositions of six essential oils and evaluation of their antioxidant and antibacterial activities against some drug-resistant bacteria in aquaculture

Introduction: The extensive use of chemicals and antimicrobial agents in aquaculture has decreased the immune mechanisms of cultivated species and promoted the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms leading to diseases among cultivated fish, affecting consumers’ health. Thus, the investigation of natural antibacterial and anti-stress agents is crucial. In the current study, we focused on the evaluation of the potential use of essential oils (EOs) as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agents in aquaculture. Methods: The EOs, obtained by hydrodistillation from clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), artemisia (Artemisia herba-alba), cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) and oregano (Origanum compactum) were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Their antibacterial activities were carried out against five bacteria, pathogenic to fish in aquaculture, using the well diffusion and microatmosphere methods. The pathogens used were Vibrio anguillarum, Photobacterium damselae subsp damselae, Aeromonas salmonicida, Edwardsiella tarda, and Lactococcus garvieae. Then, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of each EO were determined. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was performed in vitro. Results: The investigated EOs were effective against the pathogenic strains. They showed variable constituents such as phenols, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes. Regarding the antioxidant activity, cinnamon, clove, and oregano EOs showed their abilities to donate hydrogen to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical and scavenge free radicals produced by 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), respectively. Conclusion: These results gave insight into the potential use of phytobiotics in aquaculture as a safe strategy to substitute antibiotics to protect fish from oxidative stress and inhibit the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria for safer consumption of cultivated fish.

Syzygium aromaticum bud (clove) essential oil is a novel and safe aldose reductase inhibitor: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of clove essential oil (CEO) and to elucidate its mode of action, using selected biochemical targets, relevant to diabetes, and, specifically, its inhibitory effect on the polyol pathway.

METHODS

In the current study, CEO was examined for its inhibitory effects on aldose reductase in silico, in vitro, and in vivo, as well as its antioxidative activity.

RESULTS

In silico docking studies showed that all the selected major compounds of CEO have an energy change ranging between - 5.5 and - 8.8 kcal/mol and an inhibition constant ranging between 357.08 nM and 93.12 µM. CEO significantly inhibits aldose reductase with an IC₅₀ value of 58.55 ± 5.84 µg/mL in a noncompetitive manner. The supplementation of CEO at 20 mg/kg BW decreases retinal sorbitol dehydrogenase activity via decreased aldose reductase activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. Moreover, diabetic rats injected with CEO have exhibited improved levels of glycemia. The IC₅₀ values for ABTS, hydroxyl, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of CEO were found to be 34.42, 277.4, and 39.99 µg/mL, respectively. Reducing power assay and phosphomolybdate assay exhibited a reduction force with the A_0.5 values of 50.25 and 140.16 µg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CEO potentially exerts a beneficial effect on diabetes-related complications due to its antioxidant and inhibitory effect on aldose reductase activity.

Comparative study of the antioxidant activity of the essential oils of five plants against the H2O2 induced stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The purpose of this work was to investigate the protective effect of five essential oils (EOs); Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum compactum Benth., Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Ocimum basilicum L.; against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated and the protective effect of EOs was investigated. Yeast cells were pretreated with different concentrations of EOs (6.25–25 µg/ml) for an hour then incubated with H₂O₂ (2 mM) for an additional hour. Cell viability, antioxidants (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione reductase) and metabolic (Succinate dehydrogenase) enzymes, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl content (PCO) were evaluated. The chemical composition of EOs has shown the difference qualitatively and quantitatively. Indeed, O. compactum mainly contained Carvacrol, O. basilicum was mainly composed of Linalool, T. vulgaris was rich in thymol, R. officinalis had high α-Pinene amount and for E. globulus, eucalyptol was the major compound. The EOs of basil, oregano and thyme were found to possess the highest amount of total phenolic compounds. Moreover, they have shown the best protective effect on yeast cells against oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂. In addition, in a dose dependent manner of EOs in yeast medium, treated cells had lower levels of LPO, lower antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activity than cells exposed to H₂O₂ only. The cell viability was also improved. It seems that the studied EOs are efficient natural antioxidants, which can be exploited to protect against damages and serious diseases related to oxidative stress.

Exploiting the chemical composition of essential oils from Psidium cattleianum and Psidium guajava and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

The genus Psidium comprises several native Brazilian plants, such as the araçá and guava trees. They are interesting sources of essential oils (EOs) that can be used as natural preservatives in foods due to their bioactive properties. This work aimed to evaluate and correlate the biological properties of the EOs from araçá and guava leaves with their chemical compounds. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to determine the chemical composition of EOs. The antimicrobial activity was tested against 16 foodborne pathogens and the antioxidant capacity was determined by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The major compounds identified in the essential oil of araçá (EOA) were β-caryophyllene and β-elemene, representing 38.69% and 7.47%, respectively, whereas β-selinene (13.83%), α-humulene (10.90%), and β-caryophyllene (7.61%) were the major compounds identified in the essential oil of guava (EOG). Both EOs showed activity against Salmonella Enteritidis, with MIC being 1.41 µg/ml for the EOA and 1.37 µg/ml for the EOG. The EOA was more effective than the EOG against strains of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the MIC being 1.41 µg/ml. The EOA showed 10.43, 12.35, and 3.92 µmol TE/ml at 90 µg/ml whereas the EOG showed 4.54, 8.94, and 3.43 µmol TE/ml at 88 µg/ml for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP, respectively. Thus, the EOs demonstrated an effective action against foodborne pathogens and free radicals, indicative of their potential use as natural preservatives for foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Guava and araçá are native Brazilian plants producers of essential oils, natural compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The chemical composition of essential oils is responsible for its beneficial properties. The results demonstrated that the essential oils studied are rich in β-caryophyllene and has excellent activity against malefic microorganisms and free radicals, and can also be used as natural preservatives in foods.

Purification and characterization of aldose reductase from jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) and evaluation of its inhibitory activity by Euphorbia regis-jubae (Webb & Berth) extracts

This study aimed, for the first time, to assess the purification of aldose reductase (AR) in Jaculus orientalis (Dipodidae family) kidney and to evaluate the in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory (ARI) effects of Euphorbia regis-jubae (Euphorbiaceae family) aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. Initial screening assay of the enzymatic AR activity in different jerboa states (euthermic, prehibernating and hibernating) and tissues (brain, brown adipose tissue, liver and kidneys) was assessed. Then, AR has been purified to homogeneity from the kidneys of prehibernating jerboas by a series of chromatographic technics. Furthermore, the in vitro and in silico ARI effects of E. regis-jubae (Webb & Berth) extracts, characterized by hight performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on the purified enzyme were evaluated. Our results showed that the highest enzyme activity was detected in the kidneys, followed by white adipose tissue and the lungs of pre-hibernating jerboa. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from jerboa kidneys during prehibernating state with a purification factor of 53.4-fold and a yield of about 6%. AR is monomeric, active in D(+)-glyceraldehyde substrate and in disodium phosphate buffer. The pH and temperature for AR were determined to be 6.5-7.5 and 35 °C, respectively. Results of the in vitro ARI activity was strongest with both the hydroethanolic extract (IC₅₀ = 96.45 μg/mL) and aqueous extract (IC₅₀ = 140 μg/mL). Molecular docking study indicated that catechin might be the main component in both aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts to inhibited AR. This study provides new evidence on the ARI effect of E. regis-jubae (Webb & Berth), which may be related to its phenolic constituents.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of some essential oils and their blends against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from episodes of sheep mastitis

Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are among the major causes of mastitis in sheep. The main goal of this research was to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of several essential oils (EOs, n 30), then five of them were chosen and tested alone and in blends against staphylococci isolates. Five bacteria were isolated from episodes of ovine mastitis (two S. aureus and three S. xylosus). Biochemical and molecular methods were employed to identify the isolates and disk diffusion method was performed to determine their antimicrobial-resistance profile. The relative percentage of the main constituents in the tested essential oils and their blends was detected by GC-EIMS analysis. Antibacterial and bactericidal effectiveness of essential oils and blends were evaluated through minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). All of them showed sensitivity to the used antimicrobials. The EOs with the highest antibacterial activity were those belonging to the Lamiaceae family characterized by high concentrations of thymol, carvacrol and its precursor p-cymene, together with cinnamon EO, rich in cinnamaldehyde. In terms of both MIC and MBC values, the blend composed by Thymus capitatus EO 40%, Cinnamomum zeylanicum EO 20%, Thymus serpyllum EO 20% and Satureja montana EO 20% was found to be the most effective against all the isolates. Some essential oils appear to represent, at least in vitro, a valid tool against ovine mastitis pathogens. Some blends showed a remarkable effectiveness than the single oils, highlighting a synergistic effect in relation to the phytocomplex.

Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimycotoxigenic, and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils: An Updated Review

The interest in using natural antimicrobials instead of chemical preservatives in food products has been increasing in recent years. In regard to this, essential oils-natural and liquid secondary plant metabolites-are gaining importance for their use in the protection of foods, since they are accepted as safe and healthy. Although research studies indicate that the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) are more common compared to other biological activities, specific concerns have led scientists to investigate the areas that are still in need of research. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review paper in which antifungal and especially antimycotoxigenic effects are compiled. Further, the low stability of essential oils under environmental conditions such as temperature and light has forced scientists to develop and use recent approaches such as encapsulation, coating, use in edible films, etc. This review provides an overview of the current literature on essential oils mainly on antifungal and antimycotoxigenic but also their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Additionally, the recent applications of EOs including encapsulation, edible coatings, and active packaging are outlined.

Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oils from Cerrado Plants against Multidrug-Resistant Foodborne Microorganisms

Foodborne pathogens are a real public health concern in an escalating antimicrobial resistance scenario. Natural products represent a promising source of bioactive molecules, and essential oils have attracted much attention due to their myriad of biological properties, including antibacterial activities. In this context, essential oils obtained from the leaves of Chromolaena squalida, Campomanesia sessiliflora, Myrsine guianensis, Matayba guianensis, Siparuna guianensis, Ocotea minarum and Endlicheria paniculata—species from the Cerrado biome of Midwest Brazil—were extracted and evaluated for their antibacterial activity against a panel of four standard and three clinical multidrug−resistant bacterial strains. All tested oils showed moderate to good activity against at least four bacterial strains, including Salmonella Typhi and oxacillin−resistant Staphylococcus. The essential oils from C. squalida, C. sessiliflora, My. guianensis and Ma. guianensis showed strong inhibition of clinical Staphylococcus strains, which cause bovine mastitis and are related to milk−borne diseases. Their chemical profiles were investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which revealed a predominance of mono− and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, some of which with well−known antimicrobial properties. The essential oil from Cerrado plants proved active against resistant Gram−positive and Gram−negative bacteria, revealing their potentialities for the development of new alternative agents to prevent the spreading of resistant bacterial contamination.

The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.

The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.

The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.