The potential of South African medicinal plants against microbial biofilm and quorum sensing of foodborne pathogens: A review

Abstract

Microbial biofilm and quorum sensing are two intertwined traits that have been used by microorganisms for their survival and improved virulence. They have been implicated as the cause of severe infections in humans as their incidence makes it difficult to treat common infections and the possibility of recurrent infections is high. Microbial biofilm and quorum sensing have also been increasingly implicated in the food processing and the medical industry where they have caused food and surface contamination. As a result of emerging resistance, conventional control methods are fast becoming ineffective. In this review, we highlight the potential of South African plants as sources of antibiofilm and quorum quenching bioactive secondary metabolites. The review emphasizes antimicrobial studies of medicinal plants with regard to foodborne pathogens and the relevant public health importance. Also discussed is the role of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in antimicrobial resistance. A total of 46 plant species belonging to 27 families and 31 isolated bioactive compounds were documented to have antibiofilm and quorum quenching capacity against foodborne pathogens. This review seeks to summarize present knowledge on South African medicinal plants with antibiofilm and quorum quenching potential. It also provides support for continuing investigations on South African medicinal plants with previously reported good to excellent antimicrobial activities.