Natural Antimicrobial Compounds Are an Alternative to Synthetic Antibiotics

Natural antimicrobial substances are compounds having a natural origin, such as plants, microorganisms or even insects. These organisms use these types of compounds to defend themselves from pathogens and parasites or to compete with other organisms in their ecological niche. The use of natural antimicrobial compounds has been known for centuries to treat many infectious diseases. Here are a few examples of broad categories of these compounds: phenolic compounds, alkaloids, essential oils, enzymes, peptides, fatty acids, polyphenols and saponins. Antibiotic resistance has aroused the need to use antimicrobial solutions for the treatment of various diseases. It is a matter of global concern because there are a limited number of antibiotics at present that are suitable to consume and that aid in fighting various types of infectious diseases. These naturally obtained antimicrobial compounds are very sustainable and eco-friendly as compared to those antibiotics, which are synthetic. These antimicrobial compounds also have diverse modes of action. Some may disrupt the cell membrane and its synthesis, some may inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and some may disrupt the metabolic pathways. As these compounds are present naturally, they exhibit very few side effects. Additionally, these compounds also aid in providing additional health benefits.