Synergistic Effect of Plant Compounds in Combination with Conventional Antimicrobials against Biofilm of <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Candida</i> spp.

Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Graziana Bonincontro, Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Andreana Marino, Giovanna Simonetti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/11/1531
Description
Summary:Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative strategies to fight microbial chronic infections. Plant bioactive metabolites with antibiofilm activity are known to be potential resources to alleviate this problem. The phytochemical screening of some medicinal plants showed different active groups, such as stilbenes, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, and coumarins. Synergistic effects can be observed in the interaction between plant compounds and conventional drugs. This review analyses and summarises the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant metabolites in combination with conventional antimicrobials against biofilms of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>. The synergism of conventional antimicrobials with plant compounds can modify and inhibit the mechanisms of acquired resistance, reduce undesirable effects, and obtain an appropriate therapeutic effect at lower doses. A deeper knowledge of these combinations and of their possible antibiofilm targets is needed to develop next-generation novel antimicrobials and/or improve current antimicrobials to fight drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm.
ISSN:1424-8247