Natural antimicrobials from plants: Recent advances and future prospects

Shuo Li; Shanxue Jiang; Wenting Jia; Tongming Guo; Fang Wang; Jing Li; Zhiliang Yao

doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137231

Natural antimicrobials from plants: Recent advances and future prospects

Food Chem. 2024 Jan 30:432:137231. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137231. Epub 2023 Aug 24.

Authors

Shuo Li¹, Shanxue Jiang², Wenting Jia¹, Tongming Guo¹, Fang Wang³, Jing Li³, Zhiliang Yao⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
² School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; China Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China. Electronic address: jiangshanxue@btbu.edu.cn.
³ School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; China Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
⁴ School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; China Food Flavor and Nutrition Health Innovation Center, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China. Electronic address: yaozhl@th.btbu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37639892
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137231

Abstract

Plant-based antimicrobial substances have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics and preservatives. Although many review studies have been done in this field, many of these reviews solely focus on specific compounds from particular perspectives. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review on the various types of plant-based antimicrobial substances, the extraction and purification processes, as well as the application and safety issues. Combining different natural plant-derived substances shows promise in enhancing antimicrobial activities. Moreover, despite the existence of various methods (e.g., microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction) to extract and purify antimicrobial substances, isolating pure compounds remains a laborious process. Sustainability issues should also be considered when developing extraction methods. Additionally, the extraction process generates a significant amount of plant waste, necessitating proper utilization to ensure economic viability. Lastly, not all plant-derived substances are safe, and further research is needed to investigate their toxicity before widespread application.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Extraction; Food safety; Natural antibacterial substance; Preservative.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid*
Microwaves
Preservatives, Pharmaceutical

Substances

Anti-Infective Agents
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Preservatives, Pharmaceutical