Alternative Antimicrobials from Natural Products Against Dermatological Infections

Dermatological infections induce a massive burden on both sufferers and healthcare systems worldwide. With an increased incidence of resistant dermatological infections coupled with a declining number of novel antimicrobials making it to the market over the last few years, focus has now shifted to the study of natural products as a source of alternative antimicrobials. Indeed, natural products have been exploited as a storehouse of remedies against dermatological infections by human civilizations since time immemorial. A plethora of plant species have been recorded in ethnobotanical studies for use in dermatological infections, most of which have not been assayed in vitro and in vivo . On the other hand, a panoply of plant extracts, fruits and vegetables, essential oils, antimicrobials of animal and marine origin, among others, have demonstrated potent activity against common and resistant dermatological pathogens. In summation, natural products offer vast avenues that can be explored for the development of novel antimicrobials which can be effectively employed in the management and treatment of dermatological infections, as well as improve the quality of life of sufferers.