Evaluation of Natural Products and Plant-Derived Compounds as Anti-AMR Agents

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat, limiting the effectiveness of current antibiotics and complicating the treatment of infectious diseases. The rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens calls for the urgent exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies, and plant-derived compounds have emerged as promising candidates. Natural products, historically used in traditional medicine, offer a rich and underexplored reservoir of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties. This paper evaluates the potential of plant-derived compounds in combating AMR, with a focus on their mechanisms of action, antimicrobial efficacy, and therapeutic potential. Key classes of plant metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, have demonstrated significant activity against resistant pathogens. Through mechanisms such as cell membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and biofilm interference, these compounds present viable alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics. The paper also discusses challenges in the extraction, standardization, and bioavailability of plant-derived compounds, as well as the need for large-scale clinical trials to validate their efficacy. With the growing concern over AMR, natural products are gaining recognition as critical components of future therapeutic strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of integrating plant-based compounds into modern medicine and highlights the need for continued research and development to harness their full potential in combating AMR.