Search for Natural Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Agents: Ethnopharmacology

Medicinal plants, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine to treat various diseases and conditions. Many of these medicinal plants are also excellent sources for phytoconstituents, many of which have potent antimicroaial and antioxidant activities. Bacteria have evolved numerous defenses against antimicrobial agents, and drug-resistant pathogens are on the rise. The use of plant extracts and phytochemicals can be of great significance in therapeutic treatments and could help curb the problem of these drug resistant organisms. Antioxidants are known as molecules capable of inhibiting oxidation process in body thereby preventing formation of free radicals. Application of some synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT and BHA are known to be associated with some malignancies, hepatic damages and toxicities. Therefore, there is a need of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants. The natural antimicrobics and antioxidants have formed the basis of many applications, including as natural agents for food preservation, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine and natural therapies.