Potential Antibacterial Pharmaceuticals From the Flora of Africa

Abstract

The present chapter highlights the antibacterial potential of nine highly active compounds isolated from the African medicinal plants: 8,8-bis-(dihydroconiferyl)- diferulate, buesgenine, candidone, diospyrone, ferruginin A, isobavachalcone, neo- bavaisoflavone, neocyclomorusin, and plumbagin. Their botanical source as well as their hypothetical biosynthetic pathways have also been discussed. Regarding their inhibitory potential towards the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and mycobacteria, the above phytochemicals constitute potential pharmaceuticals that deserve clinical studies to develop antibacterial drugs to combat bacterial infections involving both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant phenotypes.