Tuberculosis and herbal plants: Exploring new horizons in treatment

Abstract

A serious worldwide health concern, tuberculosis (TB) causes substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative pathogen, exhibits a complex pathogenesis, existing in both latent and active forms. While pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and isoniazid are examples of first- and second-line antibiotics, have revolutionized TB treatment, the advent of extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) and multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) bacteria presents a severe challenge. Additionally, prolonged chemotherapy leads to adverse side effects, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Herbal medicines have gained attention for their antimicrobial properties, affordability, and accessibility. Bioactive substances such terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids from traditional Indian and foreign-origin plants exhibit promising antimycobacterial activity. Integrating phytochemicals into TB treatment may enhance efficacy, reduce side effects, and address drug resistance. However, further clinical research is essential to validate their safety and therapeutic potential, paving the way for novel anti-TB interventions.