Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants

Dear Colleagues,

While plants have the capacity to be used as treatment components in numerous medical conditions, only 15% have been subject to phytochemical investigation, and just 6% have been assessed for their biological activity. It is widely recognized that many antimicrobial compounds identified and isolated from medicinal plants exhibit significant efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Between 1981 and 2019, a total of 162 new antimicrobial drugs received approval, with 94 of them originating from plant sources. The primary approach to combat bacterial diseases is through the utilization of antibiotics. However, in recent decades, the excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in selective pressures leading to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Each of the currently employed antibiotics generally demonstrates insufficient effectiveness and exhibits a range of serious side effects. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel antimicrobial agents that are more potent and less toxic than these antibiotics. Edible and medicinal plant extracts contain a diverse array of individual bioactive compounds, often numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, each found in varying concentrations. This diversity poses a significant challenge in identifying the specific compounds responsible for distinct biological activities. Indeed, the overall efficacy of edible and medicinal plant extracts stems from the collective actions of multiple compounds, which may display synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects. Edible and medicinal plants have always served as traditional remedies for a wide spectrum of diseases and ailments, with their historical use dating back to ancient times. Numerous scientific studies have illuminated their diverse beneficial properties, which encompass not only antimicrobial effects but also extend to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others.

Dr. Paola Angelini
Guest Editor

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• antibiotic resistance
• antimicrobials
• bioactive constituents
• edible plants
• food conservation
• food disinfection
• medicinal plants
• metabolomics
• nutraceuticals
• phytochemistry