Recent Advances in the Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Compounds

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has heightened the need for new antimicrobial agents. Medicinal plants have long been a source of therapeutic compounds with promising antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews recent advances in the isolation and characterization of antimicrobial compounds from medicinal plants, highlighting novel methodologies and techniques in phytochemical analysis. Various plant species with significant antimicrobial activity are discussed, including those that show efficacy against resistant strains. The paper also explores the role of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds in combating bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have facilitated the identification and structural elucidation of these compounds. The potential for integrating these natural products into modern therapeutic strategies is also considered, alongside challenges such as standardization and toxicity evaluation. The findings underscore the importance of continued research in harnessing plant-derived antimicrobial agents as a viable solution to the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis.