Plant Products as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents

Dear Colleagues，

The unprecedented use of antibiotics has led to the development of resistance among microorganisms, which affects human health worldwide. Plants are rich in a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Some of these have antimicrobial properties in vitro. Moreover, some plants may simultaneously contain other active substances, for example, those that inhibit the progression of cancer. Approximately between one-quarter and one-half of all pharmaceuticals dispensed worldwide have higher-plant origins, though very few are intended for use as antimicrobials or anticancer treatments. The public is becoming increasingly aware of the problems with the overprescription and misuse of traditional antibiotics and are interested in having more autonomy over their medical care. Plant extracts and the substances derived from plants make it possible to achieve this. In addition, the complex microbiome communities in plants can be excellent sources of antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer drugs. This Special Issue plans to give an overview of the most recent advances in the field of antimicrobial agents and their applications in diverse areas of healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Also, anti-cancer plant substances and their combinations with antibacterial and antifungal herbal substances are discussed in this Special Issue.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Antimicrobial substances and their preparation;
• Biosynthesis of antimicrobial substances;
• Antimicrobial extracts and their use thereof;
• Plant microbiomes and its products;
• Resistance to natural compounds;
• Role of natural compounds in microbe ecology and evolution;
• Plant immunity and communication with microbiome;
• Immunoadjuvants and herbal stimulants;
• Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of resistance;
• Anticancer activity and their combinations with antimicrobial activity.

Dr. Pavel A. Nazarov
Dr. Maria I. Ivanova
Dr. Marina V. Karakozova
Guest Editors

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• antibiotic
• resistance
• MDR pumps
• biofilm
• antifungal agents
• tannins
• terpenoids
• alkaloids
• flavonoids
• bacteria
• fungi
• plants extracts
• plant products
• anticancer substance