From tradition to innovation: biotechnological potential of Neotropical plants in the search for antimicrobials

Abstract This review explores the biotechnological and pharmacological potential of Neotropical plants in combating the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Neotropical region, recognized for its exceptional plant diversity, represents a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds for bioprospecting. We conducted a systematic literature survey using the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and PubMed databases with the keywords “Antimicrobia*,” “Neotropic*,” and “Plant*.” After applying exclusion criteria, over 600 relevant articles were retrieved and analyzed. Our findings highlight that Neotropical plants harbor a wide array of antimicrobial compounds effective against drug-resistant pathogens. Among them, plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display diverse mechanisms of action and demonstrate low cytotoxicity to host cells, reinforcing their potential for therapeutic applications. Despite their promise, challenges remain regarding the standardization of extracts and toxicity assessment of traditional plant-based compounds. This review emphasizes the need for rigorous validation through pharmacological and clinical studies and advocates for the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to unlock the antimicrobial potential of Neotropical flora.