EXPLORING THE ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL: PHYTOCHEMICAL FINGERPRINTS OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANTS IN UGANDA

Abstract

The global escalation of long-lasting illnesses, heightened mortality risks, and a surge in serious secondary systemic microbial infections pose a formidable challenge to public health, necessitating a comprehensive approach to mitigate the escalating healthcare costs. Antibiotic resistance, a pervasive concern worldwide, has evolved as a consequence of indiscriminate antibiotic use and the widespread prevalence of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The inadvertent elimination of nonpathogenic microbial populations, crucial for restraining pathogenic counterparts, contributes to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant strains. Furthermore, the unwarranted use of commercial antimicrobial allopathic medicines has led to an alarming increase in multiple drug resistance, exacerbating the urgency to explore alternative therapeutic avenues. This issue is compounded by a rise in individuals with compromised immune responses, stemming from factors such as acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS), immunosuppressant drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents, and inadequate nutrition, particularly prevalent in developing countries like Uganda. Recognizing the inherent resistance mechanisms of plants against various pathogens, there is a growing emphasis on exploring plant-derived compounds as potential reservoirs for antimicrobial substances. Plants, equipped with a repertoire of defense mechanisms, offer a diverse array of compounds that have exhibited antimicrobial properties in previous studies. This includes compounds with the potential to combat a wide spectrum of microorganisms, thereby presenting an opportunity for the development of novel therapeutic agents. This study delves into the increasing global health challenges posed by long-lasting illnesses, escalating mortality risks, and antibiotic resistance. By examining the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant strains, and the rise in multiple drug resistance, the research sheds light on the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. The exploration of plant-derived antimicrobial compounds emerges as a promising avenue, offering potential solutions to combat the growing threat of microbial infections and the associated healthcare burdens.