Fol. Biol. 2022, 68, 87-96

https://doi.org/10.14712/fb2022068030087

Polyphenols of Antibacterial Potential – May They Help in Resolving Some Present Hurdles in Medicine?

Karolina Zapletal, G. Machnik, B. Okopień

Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland

Received April 2022
Accepted May 2022

The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance has been recognized as one of the greatest threats to humanity. Therefore, there is an enormous need to introduce new antibiotics to the medical practice that will effectively eradicate the resistant bacterial strains threatening human health and life. One solution currently being considered as an alternative to antibiotics involves secondary metabolites of plants that can be used in modern antibacterial therapy. Polyphenols represent a broad and diversified group of plant-derived aromatic compounds. Their antibacterial potential has been recognized via specific mechanisms of action, e.g., by inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation, through synergistic effects with the action of currently used antibiotics, and by inhibition of the activity of bacterial virulence factors.

Funding

This study was supported by a research grant from Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. Grant No. PCN-1-115/N/0/O.

References

66 live references