Efeitos dos fitoterápicos no combate à resistência antimicrobiana e seus impactos na saúde pública

Rodrigues, J. S. S. P.Cipriano, T. H. A. S.Vasconcelos, J. M. P. B. L.Bezerra, A. A.Pereira, E. S.Araújo, L. C. A.Santos, F. N.Silva, J. A.Barros, A. V.Lira, J. B. S.Silva, W. S. F. L.Amorim, P. K.Silva, C. E. S.Xavier, Y. K. S.Silva, S. M.Albuquerque, K. G. S.Silva, T. C. D. M.Oliveira, M. B. M.

Abstract The use of antibiotics in recent years in an accelerated and inappropriate manner has caused numerous problems for public health. Microorganisms have developed self-defense mechanisms capable of blocking the action of several antibiotics, in addition they are responsible for disseminating resistance genes in various environments. Phytotherapics present bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects already scientifically proven. This study aimed to identify the effects of herbal medicines in combating antimicrobial resistance and its impact on public health. The bibliographic research was carried out with the selection of articles in the following databases: ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and Springer-Verlag. Based on the World Health Organization, health agencies have been looking for effective alternatives to combat bacterial resistance of pathogenic strains. Since these microorganisms are responsible for causing various diseases, among them pneumonia, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections, tuberculosis, blood infection or sepsis, gonorrhea and foodborne diseases. Research carried out with extracts and oils of medicinal plants show great antimicrobial potential capable of inhibiting and killing resistant bacterial strains. Combined with antibiotics, phytochemicals can modify and modulate bacterial resistance mechanisms. Solvent extracts from plants such as Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale and Tinospora cordifolia showed bactericidal action against pathogenic strains. As well, hydromethanolic extracts of Berberis vulgaris, Cistus monspeliensis and Punica granatum demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Herbal medicines have been shown to be effective in the treatment of resistant pathogens. In addition to being a sustainable and natural source treatment option.