Beyond Antibiotics: Exploring the Antibacterial Mechanisms and Efficacy of Medicinal Plants and Endophytic Fungi

Abstract

Due to the overuse of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance has become a global health crisis, and has forced an exploration of alternative antibacterial agents. This review explores natural solutions through the antibacterial potential of medicinal plants and their symbiotic endophytic fungi. Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries to treat infections because of their rich phytochemical content, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, which exhibit antibacterial properties. Their efficacy is measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, which showcase their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Isolated compounds from medicinal plants demonstrate enhanced antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, with MIC values as low as 3.0 µg/mL. However, challenges like inconsistent chemical composition and cultivation issues can limit the large-scale application of medicinal plants. Endophytic fungi, micro-fungi that reside in plant tissues, offer a promising alternative resulting from their ability to mimic the production of similar bioactive compounds. Their antibacterial activity is measured through agar well assays, and most strains inhibit both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial growth demonstrated by zones of inhibition up to 34 mm. Unlike plants, endophytic fungi are easier to cultivate and can be optimized for mass production under controlled laboratory conditions, making them a sustainable source of novel antibiotics. By exploring the diverse chemical profiles of medicinal plants and endophytic fungi, this review demonstrates the potential of both to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria effectively. Further research into their specific mechanisms and clinical trials is necessary to ensure their safety, but by advancing the exploration of these natural sources, they can contribute to the global effort to combat antibiotic resistance and revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections