Chapter 5 - Progressive approach of phenolic acids toward the advancement of antimicrobial drugs

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a current and life-threatening global public health challenge and has piqued research interests into harnessing new chemical moieties from plant secondary metabolites including phenols and phenolic acids. Phenolic acids (PAs) have well-reported biological activities in literature, making them worthy candidates for exploration in novel drug discoveries and development. For instance, their antimicrobial action may be associated with their antioxidant capabilities, and both biological activities are related to their chemical nature and structure. PAs are a subcategory of phenol compounds with basal structures of one to six carbon atoms consisting of a phenol ring [an aromatic benzene ring which bears one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups] and functional carboxyl (-COOH) group. Increased antimicrobial potency of PA is also dependent on variations in the position and number of hydroxyl groups and presence of other chemical substituents. To evince their antimicrobial action, PA participates in gene and AMR pathways regulation, among other mechanisms. Here, the antimicrobial potential of PA as a steady move toward their use in antimicrobial drugs development and the associated challenges are examined. The chapter addresses key structural attributes supporting the antimicrobial activities and mechanisms of action of PA, as well as the utilization of PA-rich extracts in various industries. Lastly, it highlights research shortcomings and requirements that need to be addressed for optimal exploration of PA in antimicrobial drug discovery and development.