Publications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rapidly escalating global health crisis, driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, poor regulation, and widespread self-medication. With resistant infections projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions. Medicinal plants, used for centuries in traditional medicine, offer promising alternatives and complementary therapies in combating resistant pathogens. This paper reviews the role of selected medicinal plants, including garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), and tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), highlighting their phytochemical properties, antimicrobial mechanisms, and evidence from clinical and laboratory studies. Key bioactive compounds such as allicin, curcumin, and gingerol demonstrate antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics. However, challenges remain in terms of dosage standardization, clinical validation, and regulatory oversight. Harnessing the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, alongside proper stewardship of existing antibiotics, could form a sustainable and accessible strategy to slow the AMR crisis.