Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 44347

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Wieniawskiego 3, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
Interests: microbiology; molecular biology; microbial pathogenesis; bacterial proteins and toxins; antimicrobials
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Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants—National Research Institute, Wojska Polskiego 71b, 60-630 Poznań, Poland
Interests: medicinal plants; phytochemistry; natural compounds; phytomedicine; biotechnology; pharmacological activity; antioxidants; agrobiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The source of natural products is both eukaryotic (plants, animals and fungi) and prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea) organisms. Many of these compounds and their derivatives exhibit bioactivity, including antimicrobial properties (antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral). For this reason, natural products are used in traditional folk treatment and in clinical medicine. The most famous are antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins. However, antimicrobial activity also has plant phenolics and alkaloids, bee honey and propolis, bacterial bacteriocins or human lysozyme and defensins, among others. Antimicrobial application of biologically active compounds obtained from natural sources and using biotechnological methods is especially important now when we have a pandemic with bacterial resistance to antibiotics as well as new human infectious diseases. This Special Issue aims to include original research and review articles on the antimicrobial activity of natural products in in silico, in vitro and in vivo research.

Prof. Dr. Tomasz M. Karpiński
Prof. Dr. Marcin Ożarowski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • biotechnological substances
  • essential oils
  • plant extracts
  • drug discovery
  • biofilm
  • drug resistance
  • interactions
  • mechanism of action

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 4578 KiB  
Article
Robust and Transparent Silver Oxide Coating Fabricated at Room Temperature Kills Clostridioides difficile Spores, MRSA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Mohsen Hosseini, Jinge Huang, Myra D. Williams, Gerardo Alexander Gonzalez, Xiuping Jiang, Joseph O. Falkinham III and William A. Ducker
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010083 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
Antimicrobial coatings can inhibit the transmission of infectious diseases when they provide a quick kill that is achieved long after the coating application. Here, we describe the fabrication and testing of a glass coating containing Ag2O microparticles that was prepared from [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial coatings can inhibit the transmission of infectious diseases when they provide a quick kill that is achieved long after the coating application. Here, we describe the fabrication and testing of a glass coating containing Ag2O microparticles that was prepared from sodium silicate at room temperature. The half-lives of both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on this coating are only 2–4 min. The half-life of Clostridioides difficile spores is about 9–12 min, which is extremely short for a spore. Additional tests on MRSA demonstrate that the coating retains its antimicrobial activity after abrasion and that an increased loading of Ag2O leads to a shorter half-life. This coating combines the properties of optical transparency, robustness, fast kill, and room temperature preparation that are highly desirable for an antimicrobial coating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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14 pages, 2335 KiB  
Article
The Halotolerant Probiotic Bacterium Enterococcus lactis ASF-2 from Al-Asfar Lake, Saudi Arabia, Reduces Inflammation in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema
by Najla Alsaud, Amjad Almajed, Allujayn Lwusaybie, Aljawharah Alsubaie, Hela Alobaidan, Jihad Alessa, Abeer Almousa, Hairul Islam M. Ibrahim and Ashraf Khalifa
Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2415; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102415 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2092
Abstract
Inflammation-related diseases are major causes of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to identify and investigate probiotic bacteria that could be present in Al-Asfar Lake in Al-Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia to prevent the inflammatory responses of carrageenan-induced paw edema. In total, seven [...] Read more.
Inflammation-related diseases are major causes of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to identify and investigate probiotic bacteria that could be present in Al-Asfar Lake in Al-Ahsa City, Saudi Arabia to prevent the inflammatory responses of carrageenan-induced paw edema. In total, seven active strains were isolated, and three isolates (ASF-1, ASF-2, and ASF-3) exhibited a positive Gram stain and viable growth at 20% NaCl salinity; they also lacked catalase and hemolytic activities and had high levels of cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). They also demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. These results revealed that ASF-2 had probiotic qualities, and it was selected for further research. ASF-2 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental model of carrageenan-induced paw edema; the experimental model showed decreased levels of pro-inflammatory markers, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and an increased level of an anti-inflammatory marker (interferon gamma (IFN-γ)). Animals in the control group saw a 45% decrease in edema when compared to mice in the carrageenan group. When comparing tissue damage and infiltration in the ASF-2-treated and non-treated mice, the histological examination of the sub-planar tissues of the hind leg revealed that the inflamed tissues had healed. The 16S rRNA sequencing method was utilized to establish that ASF-2 is, in fact, Enterococcus lactis with a 99.2% sequence similarity. These findings shed further light on ASF-2’s potential as a biocompatible anti-inflammatory medication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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12 pages, 1998 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium guajava Aqueous Extract against Sensitive and Resistant Bacterial Strains
by Geraldo Augusto Pereira, Douglas Siqueira de Almeida Chaves, Taynara Monsores e Silva, Raissa Emidio de Araújo Motta, Adriana Barbosa Rocha da Silva, Thereza Cristina da Costa Patricio, Anna Julia Bessa Fernandes, Shana de Mattos de Oliveira Coelho, Marcin Ożarowski, Yara Peluso Cid and Tomasz M. Karpiński
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071784 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7774
Abstract
The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, along with environmental conditions, can lead to the emergence of resistant microorganisms. The use of phytopharmaceuticals and herbal medicines has a positive impact and represents a promising alternative. Psidium guajava extracts have been widely reported to have antimicrobial [...] Read more.
The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, along with environmental conditions, can lead to the emergence of resistant microorganisms. The use of phytopharmaceuticals and herbal medicines has a positive impact and represents a promising alternative. Psidium guajava extracts have been widely reported to have antimicrobial potential; however, studies reporting their activity against resistant bacterial strains are scarce. Because of the emerging resistance, the aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial capacity of the aqueous extract of guava leaves against wild-type and resistant bacterial strains. The aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of P. guajava was evaluated by HPLC for the content of total phenolics and tannins, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was analyzed by the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The results of the chemical analysis of the extracts showed total phenolics content of 17.02 ± 6.87 mg/g of dry extract, total tannin content of 14.09 ± 1.20 mg of tannic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, and moderate antioxidant capacity with an EC50 value of 140 µg/mL. Flavonoids are the major compounds (rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin), followed by phenolic acids. Disk diffusion test results showed the presence of inhibition halos for Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, sensitive and resistant; Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, sensitive and resistant; and Streptococcus spp., beta-hemolytic), while for Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, sensitive and resistant), there was no inhibition in the tested concentration range. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration was 6.8 mg/mL for all Gram-positive strains evaluated. The present study demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of P. guajava against sensitive and resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The better antimicrobial activity found in the present study compared with previously reported activity should be highlighted and may be related to the higher concentration of total phenolics present in the tested extract. Moreover, the content of tannins found suggests a species with high quality that produces tannins. These new findings suggest an innovative profile regarding therapeutic resources that can be adopted to combat resistant microbial strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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11 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
Influence of Asafoetida Extract on the Virulence of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and Its Symbiotic Bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila in the Host Pyrrhocoris apterus
by Haq Abdul Shaik and Archana Mishra
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071678 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1221
Abstract
Nematode–microbe symbiosis plays a key role in determining pathogenesis against pests. The modulation of symbiotic bacteria may affect the virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and the biological management of pests. We tested the influence of asafoetida (ASF) extract on the virulence of Steinernema [...] Read more.
Nematode–microbe symbiosis plays a key role in determining pathogenesis against pests. The modulation of symbiotic bacteria may affect the virulence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and the biological management of pests. We tested the influence of asafoetida (ASF) extract on the virulence of Steinernema carpocapsae and its symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, in Pyrrhocoris apterus. A total of 100 mg of ASF killed 30% of EPNs in 48 h, while P. apterus remained unaffected. The EPNs pre-treated with 100 mg of ASF influenced P. apterus’s mortality by 24–91.4% during a period of 24 to 72 h. The topical application of ASF acted as a deterrent to S. carpocapsae, lowering host invasion to 70% and delaying infectivity with 30% mortality for 168 h. Interestingly, Steinernema’s symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus, remained unaffected by ASF. An in vitro turbidity test containing 100 mg of ASF in a medium increased the growth rate of Xenorhabdus compared to a control. A disc diffusion assay confirmed the non-susceptibility of Xenorhabdus to ASF compared to a positive control, streptomycin. Pro-phenol oxidase (PPO) and phenol oxidase (PO) upregulation showed that ASF influences immunity, while EPN/ASF showed a combined immunomodulatory effect in P. apterus. We report that ASF modulated the virulence of S. carpocapsae but not that of its symbiotic bacterium, X. nematophila, against P. apterus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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10 pages, 1258 KiB  
Article
New Lactones Produced by Streptomyces sp. SN5431 and Their Antifungal Activity against Bipolaris maydis
by Yinan Wang, Di Yang and Zhiguo Yu
Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030616 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Bipolaris maydis causes southern corn leaf blight and inflicts huge losses on maize production. In order to search for new natural products from insect gut bacteria to control plant fungal disease, 86 actinomycetes were isolated from more than 50 insect guts, in which [...] Read more.
Bipolaris maydis causes southern corn leaf blight and inflicts huge losses on maize production. In order to search for new natural products from insect gut bacteria to control plant fungal disease, 86 actinomycetes were isolated from more than 50 insect guts, in which crude extract of strain SN5431 showed significant inhibition of the mycelial growth of B. maydis. The strain was identified and named as Streptomyces sp. SN5431. Six compounds were obtained from the crude extract of strain SN5431, which includes five new γ-butyrolactones named as tiuslactone A–E (15), and one new long chain ester named as tiusester (6). Their structures were determined using NMR and HRESIMS data and then combined with the spectroscopic data of known similar compounds. Tiuslactone B (2) showed powerful antifungal activity against B. maydis. These results indicated metabolites of insect gut bacteria have the potential to be the leading compounds for the control of corn leaf blight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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12 pages, 741 KiB  
Article
Antibiofilm Potential of Coelomic Fluid and Paste of Earthworm Pheretima posthuma (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) against Pathogenic Bacteria
by Mudassar Hussain, Iram Liaqat, Urooj Zafar, Sadiah Saleem, Muhammad Nauman Aftab, Awais Khalid, Yosra Modafer, Fahdah Ayed Alshammari, Abdullah Mashraqi and Ahmed A. El-Mansi
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020342 - 30 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2776
Abstract
Antibiotic drug resistance is a global public health issue that demands new and novel therapeutic molecules. To develop new agents, animal secretions or products are used as an alternative agent to overcome this problem. In this study, earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) coelomic [...] Read more.
Antibiotic drug resistance is a global public health issue that demands new and novel therapeutic molecules. To develop new agents, animal secretions or products are used as an alternative agent to overcome this problem. In this study, earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) coelomic fluid (PCF), and body paste (PBP) were used to analyze their effects as antibiofilm agents against four bacterial isolates MH1 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa MT448672), MH2 (Escherichia coli MT448673), MH3 (Staphylococcus aureus MT448675), and MH4 (Klebsiella pneumoniae MT448676). Coelomic fluid extraction and body paste formation were followed by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), biofilm formation time kinetics, and an antibiofilm assay, using heat and cold shock, sunlight exposure auto-digestion, and test tube methods. The results showed that the MIC values of PCF and PBP against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli bacterial isolates ranged from 50 to 100 μg/mL, while, the results related to biofilm formation for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae strains were observed to be highly significantly increased (p < 0.005) after 72 h. E. coli produced a significant (p < 0.004) amount of biofilm after 48 h. Following time kinetics, the antibiofilm activity of PCF and PBP was tested at different concentrations (i.e., 25–200 μg/mL) against the aforementioned four strains (MH1–MH4). The findings of this study revealed that both PBP (5.61 ± 1.0%) and PCF (5.23 ± 1.5%) at the lowest concentration (25 μg/mL) showed non-significant (p > 0.05) antibiofilm activity against all the selected strains (MH1-MH4). At 50 μg/mL concentration, both PCF and PBP showed significant (p < 0.05) biofilm inhibition (<40%) for all isolates. Further, the biofilm inhibitory potential was also found to be more significant (p < 0.01) at 100 μg/mL of PCF and PBP, while it showed highly significant (p < 0.001) biofilm inhibition at 150 and 200 μg/mL concentrations. Moreover, more than 90% biofilm inhibition was observed at 200 μg/mL of PCF, while in the case of the PBP, <96% biofilm reduction (i.e., 100%) was also observed by all selected strains at 200 μg/mL. In conclusion, earthworm body fluid and paste have biologically active components that inhibit biofilm formation by various pathogenic bacterial strains. For future investigations, there is a need for further study to explore the potential bioactive components and investigate in depth their molecular mechanisms from a pharmaceutical perspective for effective clinical utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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20 pages, 14083 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Activity of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts
by Daniela Calheiros, Maria Inês Dias, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Chantal Fernandes and Teresa Gonçalves
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020242 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5398
Abstract
Coffee is one of the most popular and consumed products in the world, generating tons of solid waste known as spent coffee grounds (SCG), containing several bioactive compounds. Here, the antifungal activity of ethanolic SCG extract from caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee capsules was [...] Read more.
Coffee is one of the most popular and consumed products in the world, generating tons of solid waste known as spent coffee grounds (SCG), containing several bioactive compounds. Here, the antifungal activity of ethanolic SCG extract from caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee capsules was evaluated against yeasts and filamentous fungi. These extracts had antifungal activity against Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum, all skin fungal agents. Moreover, SCG had fungicidal activity against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. To understand the underlying mechanisms of the antifungal activity, fungal cell membrane and cell wall components were quantified. SCG caused a significant reduction of the ergosterol, chitin, and β-(1,3)-glucan content of C. parapsilosis, revealing the synthesis of this membrane component and cell wall components as possible targets of these extracts. These extracts were cytotoxic for the tumoral cell lines tested but not for the non-tumoral PLP2 cell line. The analysis of the phenolic compounds of these extracts revealed the presence of caffeoylquinic acid, feruloylquinic acid, and caffeoylshikimic acid derivatives. Overall, this confirmed the antifungal activity of spent coffee grounds, presenting a potential increase in the sustainability of the life cycle of coffee grounds, as a source for the development of novel antifungal formulations, especially for skin or mucosal fungal infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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14 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Activity of a Natural Clay Mineral against Burkholderia cepacia Complex and Other Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from People with Cystic Fibrosis
by Shekooh Behroozian, James E. A. Zlosnik, Wanjing Xu, Loretta Y. Li and Julian E. Davies
Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010150 - 6 Jan 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3936
Abstract
There is an impending crisis in healthcare brought about by a new era of untreatable infections caused by bacteria resistant to all available antibiotics. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel antimicrobial agents to counter the continuing threat posed by formerly [...] Read more.
There is an impending crisis in healthcare brought about by a new era of untreatable infections caused by bacteria resistant to all available antibiotics. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel antimicrobial agents to counter the continuing threat posed by formerly treatable infections. We previously reported that a natural mineral clay known as Kisameet clay (KC) is a potent inhibitor of the organisms responsible for acute infections. Chronic bacterial infections present another major challenge to treatment by antimicrobials, due to their prolonged nature, which results in repeated exposure to antibiotics and a constant selection for antimicrobial resistance. A prime example is bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), which particularly causes some of the most serious chronic lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) associated with unpredictable clinical outcomes, poor prognosis, and high mortality rates. Eradication of these organisms from CF patients with limited effective antimicrobial options is a major challenge. Novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Here, we report the in vitro antibacterial activity of KC aqueous suspensions (1–10% w/v) and its aqueous extract (L100) against a collection of extensively and multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of Bcc, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from patients with CF. These findings present a potential novel therapy for further investigation in the clinic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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19 pages, 4916 KiB  
Article
Cannabis sativa CBD Extract Exhibits Synergy with Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics against Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serovar typhimurium
by Logan Gildea, Joseph Atia Ayariga, Junhuan Xu, Robert Villafane, Boakai K. Robertson, Michelle Samuel-Foo and Olufemi S. Ajayi
Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122360 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3536
Abstract
New generation antibiotics are needed to combat the development of resistance to antimicrobials. One of the most promising new classes of antibiotics is cannabidiol (CBD). It is a non-toxic and low-resistance chemical that can be used to treat bacterial infections. The antibacterial activity [...] Read more.
New generation antibiotics are needed to combat the development of resistance to antimicrobials. One of the most promising new classes of antibiotics is cannabidiol (CBD). It is a non-toxic and low-resistance chemical that can be used to treat bacterial infections. The antibacterial activity of Cannabis sativa L. byproducts, specifically CBD, has been of growing interest in the field of novel therapeutics. As research continues to define and characterize the antibacterial activity that CBD possesses against a wide variety of bacterial species, it is important to examine potential interactions between CBD and common therapeutics such as broad-spectrum antibiotics. In this study it is demonstrated that CBD-antibiotic (combination of CBD and antibiotic) co-therapy can effectively fight Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) via membrane integrity disruption. This research serves to examine the potential synergy between CBD and three broad-spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin, kanamycin, and polymyxin B) for potential CBD-antibiotic co-therapy. In this study, it is revealed that S. typhimurium growth is inhibited at very low dosages of CBD-antibiotic. This interesting finding demonstrates that CBD and CBD-antibiotic co-therapies are viable novel alternatives to combating S. typhimurium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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13 pages, 1967 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Properties and Potential Mechanism of Serum from Chinese Alligator
by Meng-Yuan Hu, Yi-Wen Chen, Zhi-Fan Chai, Yin-Zhi Wang, Jian-Qing Lin and Sheng-Guo Fang
Microorganisms 2022, 10(11), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10112210 - 8 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is an ancient reptile with strong immunity that lives in wetland environments. This study tested the antibacterial ability of Chinese alligator serum (CAS) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [...] Read more.
The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is an ancient reptile with strong immunity that lives in wetland environments. This study tested the antibacterial ability of Chinese alligator serum (CAS) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analyzed the potential underlying mechanisms. Results showed that the CAS had a marked antibacterial effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, while S. aureus was only mildly affected. However, these effects disappeared when Protease K was added to the serum. The serum proteome analysis revealed that the antibacterial ability of CAS was produced by interactions among various proteins and that the complement proteins played a major antibacterial role. Therefore, we made relevant predictions about the structure and function of complement component 3. In addition, sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of complement component 3d (C3d) in four mammalian species and two alligator species showed that the amino acids that make up the acid pocket on the concave surface of alligator C3d are not identical to those in mammals. This study provided evidence that CAS elicits significant antibacterial effects against some pathogens and provides the basis for further development of novel antibacterial drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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Review

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69 pages, 7936 KiB  
Review
Green Alternatives as Antimicrobial Agents in Mitigating Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review
by Seyed Ali Mosaddad, Ahmed Hussain and Hamid Tebyaniyan
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051269 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8975
Abstract
Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common infectious oral diseases impacting oral health globally. Oral cavity health is crucial for enhancing life quality since it serves as the entranceway to general health. The oral microbiome and oral infectious diseases are strongly [...] Read more.
Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common infectious oral diseases impacting oral health globally. Oral cavity health is crucial for enhancing life quality since it serves as the entranceway to general health. The oral microbiome and oral infectious diseases are strongly correlated. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have been associated with periodontal diseases. Due to the shortcomings of several antimicrobial medications frequently applied in dentistry, the lack of resources in developing countries, the prevalence of oral inflammatory conditions, and the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance, there is a need for reliable, efficient, and affordable alternative solutions for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Several accessible chemical agents can alter the oral microbiota, although these substances also have unfavorable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tooth discoloration. Natural phytochemicals generated from plants that have historically been used as medicines are categorized as prospective alternatives due to the ongoing quest for substitute products. This review concentrated on phytochemicals or herbal extracts that impact periodontal diseases by decreasing the formation of dental biofilms and plaques, preventing the proliferation of oral pathogens, and inhibiting bacterial adhesion to surfaces. Investigations examining the effectiveness and safety of plant-based medicines have also been presented, including those conducted over the past decade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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15 pages, 949 KiB  
Review
Insights into Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Plant Bioactive Compounds
by Gregoria Mitropoulou, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Natalia Vaou, Zacharias Tsakris, Chrysa Voidarou, Arsenis Tsiotsias, Christina Tsigalou, Birce Mercanoglou Taban, Yiannis Kourkoutas and Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051156 - 28 Apr 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2157
Abstract
Plants have long been thought to contribute to health promotion due to their fiber and phenolic content, as well as their inherent biological potential. The bioactive derivatives of medicinal plants are a valuable resource in the fight against serious diseases all around the [...] Read more.
Plants have long been thought to contribute to health promotion due to their fiber and phenolic content, as well as their inherent biological potential. The bioactive derivatives of medicinal plants are a valuable resource in the fight against serious diseases all around the world. The present review focuses on the current state of knowledge on the usage and medicinal applications of plant bioactives. Issues concerning the effect of aromatic plant derivatives on human gut microbiota and their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potentials are discussed and worth further exploring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activities of Natural Products)
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