Antimicrobial compounds from Mediterranean and UK medicinal herbs

Phytochemistry: Research on Isolation, Identification, and Purification of New Antimicrobial Compounds from Common and Available Herbs in the Mediterranean Area and in the UK

Since ancient times the healing powers of plants has been sought and plant derived substances "have recently become of great interest owing to their versatile applications." (Das, Tiwari, and Shrivastava, 2010, p.104) Medicinal plants have been used historically as remedies for human diseases and as such "offer a new source of biologically active chemical compound as antimicrobial agent." (Das, Tiwari, and Shrivastava, 2010, p.104) Estimates state that 14-28% of higher plant species are used medicinally and that 74$ of pharmacologically active plant derived components were discovered after following up on ethno medicinal use of the plants." (Das, Tiwari, and Shrivastava, 2010, p.104) The work of Duman et al. (2009) reports that one of the most edible of all fruits and one of the oldest known is that of the Punica granatum L., or the pomegranate. This fruit is referenced in both the Bible and the Koran, is associated with fertility, and is native to "Persia" then spreading "into Asia, North Africa and Mediterranean Europe, including Turkey." (Duman, et al., 2009, p.1809) Pomegranate has been used widely in treating various diseases including such as "acidosis, dysentery, microbial infections, diarrhea, helminthiasis, hemorrhage, and respiratory pathologies." (Duman, et al., 2009, p.1809) In addition, pomegranate extracts have been used effectively against the herpes virus and hydroalcoholic extracts of whole fruits have exhibited high activity against the influenza virus." (Duman, et al., 2009, p.1809) Furthermore, pomegranate contains antioxidant properties due to containing antioxidant phenolics and anthocyanins and extracts from this fruit are reported to possess "strong in vitro antibacterial activity against many bacterial strains tested as well as inhibiting and delaying Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production at certain concentrations. (Duman, et al., 2009, paraphrased)

Objective

The objective of the proposed study is to ascertain the potential of identification, purification, and use of plants and herbs containing antimicrobial compounds specifically those located in the Mediterranean area and in the UK.

Methodology

The method proposed in this study is of a qualitative nature and to involve an exhaustive review of literature in this area of study such as can be found in peer-reviewed academic and professional journals and articles.

Recommendations

It is recommended that a research study be conducted in regards to the isolation, identification, purification of plants and herbs containing antimicrobial properties and specifically those found in the Mediterranean area and the UK.