Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals naturally occurring molecules found in plants are recognized as having beneficial antimicrobial properties that are amenable for therapeutic use due to their antioxidative capabilities and lack of toxicity. Phytochemicals identified for their potential antimicrobial efficacy include flavonoids alkaloids tannins terpenoids and phenolic acids. Phytochemicals are capable of inhibiting the growth of a variety of pathogens such as bacteria fungi and viruses that are harmful while being non-toxic to humans. There are varying modes of action of phytochemicals in the inhibition of pathogen growth such as compromising the microbial cell-membrane inhibition of enzymes inhibition of DNA or protein synthesis. Phytochemicals such as curcumin (from turmeric) berberine (from Berberis species) and catechins (from green tea) exhibit potent antimicrobial activity observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies.