Unveiling the Antibacterial Properties of Plant Extracts: Insights and Innovations for Future Therapies

In this comprehensive review, diverse studies on plant extracts and their antibacterial properties are synthesized. The investigations encompass various plant species, shedding light on their efficacy against different bacterial strains and presenting potential therapeutic applications. For instance, Anoectochilus formosanus extracts demonstrate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Zygophyllum simplex, particularly its dichloromethane extract, exhibits significant antibacterial activity against foodborne bacteria. Verbascum thapsus L. displays varying antibacterial efficacy between leaf and flower methanol extracts. Rheum khorasanicum root extract shows antibacterial activity, with the April sample exhibiting the highest overall efficacy. Green tea extracts, Nauclea species, Citrus essential oils, Cannabis sativa L., and Morinda coreia also demonstrate antibacterial potential against various strains. Cymodocea serrulata, Aloe vera/Morinda citrifolia extracts, and Salvadora Persica (Miswak) extract exhibit antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Plocamium rigidum and Beilschmiedia genus show promise against Escherichia coli and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Allanblackia species, Harungana madagascariensis, Minthostachys verticillata essential oils, clove essential oil, and Garcinia species present antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, Primula plants in the Western Himalaya, Bridelia ferruginea leaf extracts, and traditional use in Africa for wound healing are explored. These studies collectively emphasize the potential of plant extracts as sources for novel antibacterial agents, urging further research and development in this area.