A Comprehensive Review on Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Keywords:
Antibiotic Resistance, Bioactive Compounds, Phytomedicine, Urinary Tract Infection, UropathogensAbstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered one of the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions of people globally, making UTIs a global health threat. These infections are caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, termed uropathogenic bacteria, but the most predominant causative agent is uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Due to antimicrobial resistance/antibiotic resistance (AMR/ABR) of these bacteria, the treatment of UTIs in patients using routinely used antibiotics is becoming difficult. In this situation, to test the sensitivity of the antibiotics against bacterial strains, the urine sample of the patients is required. However, the sample is cultured to grow colonies of uropathogens (bacteria/fungus), which takes around 72 h to completely develop the strain in the sample, and the condition of the patients may be severe. Therefore, to reduce AMR/ABR sensitivity, there is a need to identify such types of bioactive compounds of plant origin, which are more effective as compared to antibiotics without side effects on the organs of the body. The present review summarizes the antibacterial activities of medicinal plants against UTI-associated pathogens, as reported by various pioneer researchers. Several medicinal plants have also been commonly used by the pharmaceutical industry to prepare herbal products for the treatment of UTIs. The major medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds are Vaccinium macrocarpon (A-type proanthocyanidins), Boerhavia diffusa (rotenoids, alkaloids and β-sitosterol), Tribulus terrestris (steroidal saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (arbutin and hydroquinone derivatives), Allium sativum (allicin and ajoene), and Phyllanthus fraternus (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin). The findings of this review highlight the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds as promising alternative approaches for the treatment and management of UTIs, particularly in the context of increasing AMR. Further studies focusing on the mechanisms of action, standardization of bioactive compounds, and their translation into clinically applicable therapeutic strategies may help facilitate their wider use as alternative or complementary approaches for UTI management. However, further studies focusing on the mechanisms of action, standardization of bioactive compounds, and their translation into clinically applicable therapeutic strategies may help facilitate their wider use as alternative or complementary approaches for UTI treatment and management.
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