Terpene Derivatives as a Potential Agent against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Pathogens

Nik Amirah Mahizan,Chew-Li Moo,Kok-Song Lai,Aisha Abushelaibi,Chou-Min Chong,Adelene Ai-Lian Song,Swee-Hua Erin Lim,Chun-Wie Chong,Shun-Kai Yang

doi:10.3390/molecules24142631

Abstract

The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens has prompted extensive research to find alternative therapeutics. Plants rich with natural secondary metabolites are one of the go-to reservoirs for discovery of potential resources to alleviate this problem. Terpenes and their derivatives comprising of hydrocarbons, are usually found in essential oils (EOs). They have been reported to have potent antimicrobial activity, exhibiting bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against tested pathogens. This brief review discusses the activity of terpenes and derivatives against pathogenic bacteria, describing the potential of the activity against AMR followed by the possible mechanism exerted by each terpene class. Finally, ongoing research and possible improvisation to the usage of terpenes and terpenoids in therapeutic practice against AMR are discussed.

Highlights

The increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microbiological pathogens has spurred a global mandate to identify potentially effective alternatives [1]
Zacchino et al [4] reported in a review that the nature of interaction between phytochemical and antimicrobial drugs can be determined using the median-effect method of Chou [89] which permits the calculation of combination index (CI)
The CI will resolve synergistic (CI < 1), additive (CI = 1) and antagonistic effects (CI > 1). Another method that contributed significantly in synergistic activity was to calculate the Dose Reduction Index (DRI), known as the reversal enhancement ratio, that measures how many folds the dose of antimicrobial drugs may be cut down when used in combination rather than alone

Summary

Introduction

The increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microbiological pathogens has spurred a global mandate to identify potentially effective alternatives [1]. The rise of AMR is contributed by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Extrinsic contributing factors include excessive antibiotic usage resulting from non-judicious prescribing practices, fueled by increased competition in the production and marketing of antimicrobials within the pharmaceutical industry [6]. As a whole there is inadequate public education, in tandem with a lack of consistent regulatory systems in place. Both of these, coupled with improper infection control in healthcare, poor sanitation, and water hygiene in low-middle income countries (LMIC), are expanding the AMR challenge [1,7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion