Anti-Microbial Peptides from Medicinal Plants as an Alternative against Multi Drug Resistance

Abstract

From its discovery to today, antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, and various antibiotics have been studied, discovered and put to significant application and it continues to be helpful in controlling infections. Nonetheless over application of these antibiotics have given rise to Antibiotic Resistance (AR) and Multidrug Resistant pathogens (MDR) against the various antibiotic’s agents. Anti-microbial peptides are being explored as an alternative against the prevalent issue of MDR and AR. Anti-microbial peptides are the part of host’s first line of defense mechanism of innate immune response, are small peptides its molecular weight is 2-10kDa, it holds amphiphillic properties, and is usually positively charged at neutral pH value. The advantages posed by anti-microbial peptides are many like broad antimicrobial spectrum, rapid action, and lower risk of resistance, low toxicity and high selectivity. It poses many therapeutic like anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and immunomodulator properties as well. Plants are good source of antimicrobial peptides. A variety of applications can be achieved with plant derived antimicrobial peptides, including antibacterial, insecticide, and infection control, including the control of cellular infection by viruses. AMPs exist in different molecular forms like Cyclotides, cyclic cysteine knot, defensin, thionin, snakin- Like, hevein-like, knottin like peptides etc. It is expected that anti-microbial peptides will have a positive impact on medicine, food, industries as antifouling agents and agriculture. The major objective of this review articleis to explore and identify important antimicrobial peptides in medicinal plants like Ocimum sanctum and Santalum album.