The resurgence of interest in traditional medicinal plants as sources of novel antimicrobial agents is driven by the escalating global crisis of antibiotic resistance among bacterial and fungal pathogens. These plants, long utilized in ethnomedicine across diverse cultures, offer a rich repository of bioactive secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins, many of which possess potent antimicrobial properties. Recent advances in phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, and molecular biology have enabled the identification and characterization of these compounds, revealing their diverse mechanisms of action such as disrupting microbial cell walls and membranes, inhibiting protein or nucleic acid synthesis, and interfering with quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Furthermore, these plant-derived antimicrobials exhibit synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics, potentially restoring their efficacy against resistant strains. Harnessing traditional medicinal knowledge through scientifically validated frameworks not only paves the way for novel drug discovery but also promotes sustainable utilization and conservation of plant biodiversity. Thus, integrating traditional medicine with modern biomedical research holds promise for developing effective, safe, and affordable antimicrobial therapies to combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
