Original title: Review on plant antimicrobials: a mechanistic viewpoint
Bacteria can resist antibiotics in several ways. This review explains those resistance mechanisms and describes plant chemicals, called phytochemicalsChemical substances found in plants., that may act against bacteria, including resistant ones. Some phytochemicals also strengthened the effects of conventional antibiotics in laboratory tests. The review presents these chemicals as possible sources of antimicrobialAble to act against microbes, such as bacteria. compounds, not as proven treatments for people.
Imagine trying to open a jammed door while someone keeps changing the lock. A key that worked before may no longer work, and you need another way to get the door open. In this paper, the changing lock stands for bacterial resistance, while plant chemicals stand for possible ways to act against the bacteria or help conventional antibiotics work in lab tests.
People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria have fewer effective treatments. This review describes how plant chemicals may act against resistant bacteria and, in some lab tests, work together with conventional antibiotics; it does not show that these combinations treat infections in people.
The abstract does not report specific phytochemicals, detailed mechanisms, test results, or evidence from people. It describes possible antibacterial and resistance-reversing effects, including combinations tested in vitro, but does not establish that these compounds safely or effectively treat infections.
Ask anything about this paper. Answers come from its abstract, and say so when the abstract doesn't cover your question.
Review on plant antimicrobials: a mechanistic viewpoint — Bahman Khameneh, Milad Iranshahy, Vahid Soheili et al. — Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control — doi:10.1186/s13756-019-0559-6
Abstract licence: CC BY
Explanation generated by Synthesis from the abstract — it is not the original paper.