title: Combating pathogenic microorganisms using plant-derived antimicrobials: a minireview of the mechanistic basis.
abstract: The emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has led to renewed interest in exploring the potential of plant-derived antimicrobials (PDAs) as an alternative therapeutic strategy to combat microbial infections. Historically, plant extracts have been used as a safe, effective, and natural remedy for ailments and diseases in traditional medicine. Extensive research in the last two decades has identified a plethora of PDAs with a wide spectrum of activity against a variety of fungal and bacterial pathogens causing infections in humans and animals. Active components of many plant extracts have been characterized and are commercially available; however, research delineating the mechanistic basis of their antimicrobial action is scanty. This review highlights the potential of various plant-derived compounds to control pathogenic bacteria, especially the diverse effects exerted by plant compounds on various virulence factors that are critical for pathogenicity inside the host. In addition, the potential effect of PDAs on gut microbiota is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, Unit 4040, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
authors.forename: Abhinav
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6064-4858
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Upadhyay
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, Unit 4040, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
authors.forename: Indu
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Upadhyaya
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, Unit 4040, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
authors.forename: Anup
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kollanoor-Johny
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, Unit 4040, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
authors.forename: Kumar
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5966-7852
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Venkitanarayanan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010271:Parasites / Q000187:drug effects*; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents