Mini Review: Antimicrobial Agents Based on Natural Compounds: The Key to Solving the Current Crisis

Abstract

Context: The rapid development of resistance mechanisms by bacteria has led to the loss of effectiveness of many commonly used antibiotics, posing a serious threat to global public health. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide further insights into combating antibiotic resistance and addressing the urgent need for additional effective antimicrobial treatments as alternatives. Methods: In this narrative review, natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, and other sources were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties based on clinical trials and in vitro studies. These compounds have gained attention due to their potential to serve as alternative or adjunctive therapies. Results: We briefly reviewed and introduced antibacterial agents derived from natural substances and extracts as an alternative solution to the current crisis. Many natural sources, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), nanoparticles, enzyme disruption of acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), Mur enzymes, lysocine E, plant-derived natural products, polyphenols, nanozymes, antimicrobial peptidomimetics, and antimicrobials of fungal origin (such as penicillin, griseofulvin, amphotericin B, echinocandins, and statins), produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with the potential to exhibit antibacterial activity. Moreover, natural products often possess complex chemical structures, which can target multiple bacterial pathways, enhancing their ability to inhibit or kill bacteria. Conclusions: This study contributes new knowledge and perspectives on combating antibiotic resistance by exploring alternative treatments and natural products, which represent an important area of research. It may offer new solutions to address the urgent need for effective antimicrobial treatments. Further research is necessary to isolate, identify, and characterize the active compounds, study their mechanisms of action, optimize their efficacy and safety, and evaluate their potential for clinical use.