Natural Products as Antiparasitic, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Agents

The estimated age of 26.7 billion years of the universe was insufficient to explore its mysteries and hidden possibilities. As soon as humanity resolves specific research problems, it may lead to the emergence of new challenges, and the process continues. The drug discovery field is the best example that faces continuous challenges. New diseases originate every day, and efforts are being taken to develop therapeutic agents against them. The emerging drug resistance against current treatments encourages the development of new drugs, and it is equally important to periodically evaluate the advancement and drawbacks in the field we are working with. Nearly 35% of the drugs in the global market were estimated to be derived from natural sources. The contributors to this global account include bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, and animals. The challenges of utilizing natural sources for human well-being rely on species extinction. Hence, it is necessary to inquire about the possibility of a particular therapeutic agent or its alternatives from readily available natural sources. This chapter comprehensively reviews the marketed antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources and the natural molecules that can become successful therapeutic lead molecules.