Phytochemicals as Source of Novel Antimicrobial Agents Against the Rapidly Evolving Antimicrobial Resistance

It has been widely accepted that plants possess inherent biological potential, fiber, and phenolic content, which collectively mount up to health promotion. Globally, the bioactive compounds of medicinal and therapeutic plants are an inestimable asset in the struggle against severe diseases. Antibiotics have been employed to treat microbial infections and these bioactive agents with low molecular weight have been found pertinent in various medicinal contexts. Abusive and excessive use of antibiotics over the last few decades has spur the proliferation of microbe’s resistant to antibiotics, making medication treatments ineffectual. As an excellent source of antimicrobial compounds with potential applications, plants can supplement or alter antibiotics. Many secondary metabolites of different classes like terpenes, polyphenols, and alkaloids have been shown to showcase antimicrobial properties. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites deplete their responsiveness to antimicrobial medicines. The use of phytomolecules or natural products from medicinal plants as an alternative to antibiotics in combating microbial infections has gained attention due to the increasing concerns related to antibiotic resistance in microbes. The current state of knowledge regarding the utilization and therapeutic applications of naturally occurring bioactive is the subject of this chapter.