Amino Acid-Derived Defense Metabolites from Plants: A Potential Source to Facilitate Novel Antimicrobial Development

The document reviewed the potential of amino acid-derived plant defense metabolites as sources for developing novel antimicrobial drugs, emphasizing the urgent need for new treatments due to antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases. It highlighted various plant compounds, such as phytoalexins, phytoanticipins, and antimicrobial peptides like cyclotides and defensins, for their potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties. The review discussed advancements in "omics," chemistry, and heterologous expression systems in identifying therapeutic targets and characterizing plant metabolites. Specific compounds, including hispidalin, vulgarinin, mimosine, berberine, cepharanthine, and allicin, were noted for their efficacy against pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, and MRSA. The document underscored the structural diversity and pharmacological potential of these plant-derived compounds in addressing global health challenges and enhancing existing antimicrobial strategies.