dahuder mj DAHUDER Medical Journal 2791-9250 DAHUDER 10.56016/dahudermj.1688252 Clinical Sciences (Other) Klinik Tıp Bilimleri (Diğer) Gıda Kaynaklı Patojenlerle Mücadele: Bitki Bazlı ve Biyolojik Antimikrobiyal Alternatifler Combating Foodborne Pathogens: Plant-Based and Biological Antimicrobial Alternatives https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7561-3117 Blessing Adoh Olodu Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0988-5664 Enabulele Stephen Amadin Department of Biological Science (Microbiology), Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria 07 29 2025 5 3 67 79 05 01 2025 07 13 2025 Copyright © 2021, DAHUDER Medical Journal 2021 DAHUDER Medical Journal

Arka Plan: Escherichia coli, Salmonella türleri, Listeria monocytogenes ve Staphylococcus aureus dahil olmak üzere gıda kaynaklı patojenler, antimikrobiyal direnç (AMR) prevalansının artmasıyla daha da kötüleşen önemli küresel halk sağlığı sorunları oluşturmaktadır. Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella türleri, Clostridium botulinum, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica ve Aeromonas türleri gibi diğer kritik patojenler de benzer şekilde geleneksel antibiyotiklere karşı direnç geliştirmiştir; bu durum enfeksiyon yönetimini zorlaştırmakta ve alternatif tedavi stratejileri arayışını yoğunlaştırmaktadır.Yöntemler: Bu derleme, gıda kaynaklı enfeksiyonlarla mücadelede etkili alternatifler olarak bitki bazlı antimikrobiyal ajanları incelemektedir. Antimikrobiyal aktiviteleriyle bilinen bazı bitkiler değerlendirilmiştir: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Acı kola (Garcinia kola), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Afrika biberi (Piper guineense), Zencefil (Zingiber officinale), Sarımsak (Allium sativum), Okaliptüs (Eucalyptus globulus), Reyhan (Ocimum gratissimum), Zerdeçal (Curcuma longa), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), Guava yaprakları (Psidium guajava), Çay ağacı (Melaleuca alternifolia) ve Acı yaprak (Vernonia amygdalina).Sonuçlar: Bu bitkiler, mikrobiyal büyümeyi ve virülansı çeşitli mekanizmalarla—hücre duvarı bozulması ve enzim inhibisyonu dahil—bozan alkaloidler, fenolikler, terpenoidler ve flavonoidler gibi biyoaktif bileşikler içermektedir. Ayrıca, derlemede faydalı mikrobiyotayı korurken patojene özgü kontrol sağlayan probiyotikler ve bakteriyofajlar gibi yeni alternatifler de ele alınmaktadır.Sonuç: Bitki bazlı antimikrobiyal ajanların ve biyolojik tedavilerin gıda güvenliği uygulamalarına entegrasyonu yoluyla, bu çalışma AMR'yi azaltma ve gıda kaynaklı enfeksiyon yönetimini geliştirme potansiyellerini vurgulamaktadır. Bulgular, bu doğal ajanların uygulamasını optimize etmek ve dünya genelinde sürdürülebilir gıda güvenliği stratejilerini desteklemek için daha fazla araştırma yapılmasını önermektedir.

Background: Foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, pose significant global public health challenges, exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Other critical pathogens, such as Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella spp., Clostridium botulinum, Vibrio cholerae, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Aeromonas species, have similarly developed resistance to conventional antibiotics, complicating infection management and intensifying the search for alternative therapeutic strategies.Methods: This review examines plant-based antimicrobial agents as effective alternatives for combating foodborne infections. A selection of plants known for their antimicrobial activity were evaluated, including Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bitter kola (Garcinia kola), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), African pepper (Piper guineense), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Garlic (Allium sativum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), Guava leaves (Psidium guajava), Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina).Results: These plants contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and flavonoids that disrupt microbial growth and virulence through various mechanisms, including cell wall degradation and enzyme inhibition. Additionally, the review explores emerging alternatives like probiotics and bacteriophages, which provide pathogen-specific control while preserving beneficial microbiota.Conclusion: By integrating plant-based antimicrobials and biological therapies into food safety practices, this study highlights their potential to mitigate antimicrobial resistance and enhance foodborne infection management. The findings advocate for further research to optimize the application of these natural agents and support sustainable food safety strategies worldwide.

 Antimicrobial agents Antibiotics Biotherapy Foodborne pathogens Medicinal plant Treatment. Antimikrobiyal ajanlar Antibiyotikler Biyoterapi Gıda kaynaklı patojenler Tıbbi bitkiler Tedavi. Naomi, Oyenuga., José, F., Cobo‐Díaz., Avelino, Álvarez‐Ordóñez., Elena, A., Alexa. Overview of Antimicrobial Resistant ESKAPEE Pathogens in Food Sources and Their Implications from a One Health Perspective. Microorganisms. 2024; 12(10): 2084. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12102084 Muneer, Yaqub., Chinedu, Eucharia, Joseph., Aashika, Jain., Lekshmi, K., EdisonResistome Mapping in Foodborne Pathogens: Understanding Role in the Transmission Dynamics of Resistance Genes. Applied Microbiology. 2024; 4(1): 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol4040102 Muneer, Yaqub., Chinedu, Eucharia, Joseph., Aashika, Jain., Lekshmi, K., Edison. Resistome Mapping in Foodborne Pathogens: Understanding Role in the Transmission Dynamics of Resistance Genes. Preprints. 2024; 202409.1683. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1683.v1 Banala, Kalapriya., Natarajan, Muninathan., Kuppusamy, Baskaran., Arumugam, Suresh. Raw Meat and Antibiotic Resistance: A Comprehensive Study on Prevalence of Pathogens in Food Animals. Journal of Advanced Zoology, 2023; 44(3): 627. https://doi.org/10.17762/jaz.v44i3.627 Sonya, Kujat, Choy., Eva-Marie, Neumann., Pablo, Romero-Barrios., Sandeep, Tamber.. Contribution of Food to the Human Health Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 2023; 20(6):99. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2023.0099 Ali, Hassan., Muhammad, Kashif, Iqbal, Khan., Summaia, Fordos., Ali, Hasan., Sofia, Khalid., Muhammad, Naeem., Aliyu, Usman. Emerging Foodborne Pathogens: Challenges and Strategies for Ensuring Food Safety. Environmental Microbiology, 2023; (16596). https://doi.org/10.3390/ecm2023-16596 Elisabeta, Elena, Popa., Elena, Ungureanu., Mihaela, Geicu-Cristea., Amalia, Carmen, Mitelut., Mihaela, Drãghici., Paul, Alexandru, Popescu., Mona, Elena, Popa. Trends in Food Pathogens Risk Attenuation. Microorganisms. 2023; 11(8): 20-29. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082023 Rebecca, Stearns., Annette, Freshour., Cangliang, Shen. Literature review for applying peroxyacetic acid and/or hydrogen peroxide to control foodborne pathogens on food products. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2022; 10: 100442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2022.100442 Yosra, A., Helmy., Khaled, Taha-Abdelaziz., Hanan, Abd, El-Halim, Hawwas., Soumya, Ghosh., Samar, S., Alkafaas., Mohamed, M., M., Moawad., Essa, M., Saied., Issmat, I., Kassem., Asmaa, M., M., Mawad. Antimicrobial Resistance and Recent Alternatives to Antibiotics for the Control of Bacterial Pathogens with an Emphasis on Foodborne Pathogens. Antibiotics. 2023;12(2): 274. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020274 Qian, Tao., Qian, Wu., Zhaohuan, Zhang., Jing, Liu., Cuifang, Tian., Zhenhua, Huang., Pradeep, K., Malakar., Yingjie, Pan., Yong, Zhao. Meta-Analysis for the Global Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens Exhibiting Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2022; 13, 906490. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.906490 Mrinal, Samtiya., Karl, R., Matthews., Tejpal, Dhewa., Anil, Kumar, Puniya. Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: Trends, Mechanisms, Pathways, and Possible Regulation Strategies. Foods. 2022; 11(19): 2966. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11192966 Israt, Dilruba, Mishu., Tanzia, Akter., Marufa, Zerin, Akhter., Mahfuzul, Hoque. Carvacrol and Cinnamaldehyde as Next Generation Antimicrobial Agents against Foodborne Pathogens: Antibacterial Efficacy and Synergistic Interaction with Nisin. Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology. 2023; 39(1): 64053. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v39i1.64053 Abdullah, F., Alsayeqh., Amany, Hassan, Attia, Baz., Wageh, Sobhy, Darwish. Antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens in the Middle East: a systematic review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021; 28(18): 17070-17079. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-021-17070-9 Xinyi, Pang., Xiaoye, Song., Minjie, Chen., Shuhua, Tian., Zhaoxin, Lu., Jing, Sun., Xiangfei, LiX., Li., Ying-Yuh, Lu., Hyun-Gyun, Yuk. Combating biofilms of foodborne pathogens with bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria in the food industry. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 2022; 21(5): 12922. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12922 Taner, Sar., Pelin, Kiraz., Vjola, Braho., Sharareh, Harirchi., Meltem, Yesilcimen, Akbas. Novel Perspectives on Food-Based Natural Antimicrobials: A Review of Recent Findings PMicroorganisms. 2023; 11(9): 2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092234 Jens, A., Hammerl. Editorial for the Special Issue: “Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Tracing of Foodborne Pathogens”. Microorganisms. 2022; 10(2): 390. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020390 Engidaw, Abebe., Getachew, Gugsa., Meselu, Ahmed. Review on Major Food-Borne Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens. Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2020, 4674235. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4674235 Katarzyna, Grudlewska-Buda., Justyna, Bauza-Kaszewska., Natalia, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke., Anna, Budzyńska., Eugenia, Gospodarek-Komkowska., Krzysztof, Skowron. Antibiotic Resistance in Selected Emerging Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens—An Issue of Concern?. Antibiotics. 2023; 12(5): 880. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12050880 Preeti, C., Sangave. Pathogenesis and Drug Resistance Profile of Food-Borne Pathogens. Foodborne Pathogens, 2020, 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1695-5_18 Sheveleva, G.A., Sheveleva., Yu.V., Smotrina., I, B, Bykova. Contemporary aspects in control over resistant to antibiotics microbial contaminants of food, taking into account peculiarities of related health risk assessment. Part 1. Health Risk Analysis, 2022; 2(1), 6-15. https://doi.org/10.21668/health.risk/2022.1.06.eng Emiliano, J., Quinto., Irma, Caro., Luz, H., Villalobos-Delgado., Javier, Mateo., Beatriz, de-Mateo-Silleras., M., P., Redondo-del-Río. Food Safety through Natural Antimicrobials. Antibiotics. 2019; 8(4): 208. https://doi.org/10.3390/ANTIBIOTICS8040208 Elaine, Meade., Micheal, Savage., Mary, Garvey. Investigation of Alternative Biocidal Options against Foodborne Multidrug Resistant Pathogens. European Journal of Experimental Biology. 2020; 10(4): 54-64. Karolinny, Cristiny, de, Oliveira, Vieira., Hevelin, Regiane, Augusto, da, Silva., Isabela, Poletto, Masselli, Rocha., Emmanuel, Barboza., Lizziane, Kretli, Winkelstroter, Eller. Foodborne pathogens in the omics era. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2021; 61(1): 1-15. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1905603 Ibrahim, Isa, Koire. Food-Borne Diseases. Food Safety. 2024; 1: 45-59. doi: 10.69860/nobel.9786053358787.18 Pierluigi, Aldo, Di, Ciccio. Antimicrobial-Resistance of Food-Borne Pathogens. Antibiotics. 2021; 10(4): 372-380. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10040372 Ross, C., Beier. Interactions and Inhibition of Pathogenic Foodborne Bacteria with Individual Dissociated Organic Acid Species: A Review. Journal of Food Control and Nutrition. 2021; 9(2): 78-85. doi: 10.17756/JFCN.2021-0106 Corliss, A., O’Bryan., Philip, G., Crandall., Steven, C., Ricke. Antimicrobial Resistance in Foodborne Pathogens. Food Safety and Pathogen Control. 2018; 5, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-811835-1.00006-3 Miguel, Prieto., Pierre, Colin., Pablo, Fernández-Escámez., Avelino, Alvarez-Ordóñez. Epidemiology, Detection, and Control of Foodborne Microbial Pathogens. BioMed Research International, 2015, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2015/617417 Mary, Theresa., Aparna, Sankaran, Unni., Amala, Geevarghese., Sebastain, Korattiparambil, Sebastian., Sunil, Pareek., Radhakrishnan, Edayileveettil, Krishnankutty. Foodborne Pathogens and Food-Related Microorganisms. Foodborne Pathogens: Health Implications. 2021; 4, 35-42. doi: 10.1201/9780429329869-3 Marios, Karvouniaris., Maria-Panagiota, Almyroudi., Mohd, H., Abdul-Aziz., Stijn, Blot., Elisabeth, Paramythiotou., E., Tsigou., Despoina, Koulenti. Novel Antimicrobial Agents for Gram-Negative Pathogens. Antibiotics. 2023; 12(4): 761-770. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics12040761 Eugenia, Butucel., Igori, Balta., Mirela, Ahmadi., Gabi, Dumitrescu., Florica, Morariu., Ioan, Pet., Lavinia, Stef., Nicolae, Corcionivoschi. Biocides as Biomedicines against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria. Advances in Cardiovascular Diseases. 2022; 7(2): 137-145. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10020379 Tana, Hintz., Karl, K., Matthews., Rong, Di. The Use of Plant Antimicrobial Compounds for Food Preservation. BioMed Research International, 2015, 1-10. doi: 10.1155/2015/246264 Jie, Hou., Rong, Luo., Hui, Ni., Ke, Li., Fedrick, C., Mgomi., Luyao, Fan., Lei, Yuan. Antimicrobial potential of kombucha against foodborne pathogens: a review. Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods. 2021; 13(3): 920-928. doi: 10.15586/QAS.V13I3.920 Gyanendra, Gongal. Antimicrobial resistance and food safety. Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, 2022; 43(1): 1-9. doi: 10.5958/0974-0147.2022.00006.x Olajide, Sunday, Faleye., Bharath, Reddy, Boya., J., Lee., Inho, Choi., J., Lee. Halogenated Antimicrobial Agents to Combat Drug-Resistant Pathogens. Pharmacological Reviews. 2023; 75(3): 456-469. doi: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000863 Vladimir, Kurćubić., Slaviša, Stajić., Nemanja, Miletic., Marko, D., Petković., Igor, Đurović., Vesna, Milovanovic. Natural antimicrobial agents: application in food preservation and foodborne disease control. Proceedings. 2023; 5(3): 357-363. doi: 10.46793/sbt28.357k Maryoris, Elisa, Soto, Lopez., Marco, Túlio, Pardini, Gontijo., Delaine, M.G., Boggione., Luiz, A.A., Albino., Laís, Silva, Batalha., Regina, Célia, Santos, Mendonça. Microbiological Contamination in Foods and Beverages: Consequences and Alternatives in the Era of Microbial Resistance. Food Microbiology. 2018; 31(4): 212-219. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-811515-2.00003-2 Rashed, Noor. Insight to foodborne diseases: Proposed models for infections and intoxications. Biomedical Research Journal. 2019; 22(2): 116-124. doi: 10.4103/BBRJ.BBRJ_86_19 Meihan, Tao., Juhong, Chen., Kang, Huang. Bio-based antimicrobial delivery systems for improving microbial safety and quality of raw or minimally processed foods. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2021; 38, 15-21. doi: 10.1016/J.COFS.2021.04.011 Giuseppe, Granata., Stefano, Stracquadanio., Marco, Leonardi., Edoardo, Napoli., Graziella, Malandrino., Viviana, Cafiso., Stefania, Stefani., Corrada, Geraci. Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils Encapsulated in Chitosan Nanoparticles as Effective Antimicrobial Agents against Foodborne Pathogens. Molecules. 2021; 26(13): 4055-4064. doi: 10.3390/molecules26134055 M., Pontello., María, Gori. Foodborne Diseases. Sustainable Development Goals Series. 2023; 12(23): 321-330. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-33851-9_23 Maria, Consuelo, Pina-Pérez., M.A., Ferrús, Pérez. Antimicrobial potential of legume extracts against foodborne pathogens: A review. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2018; 74, 101-111. doi: 10.1016/J.TIFS.2017.12.007 Edward, G., Dudley. Food Microbiology: Fundamentals and Frontiers, 5th Edition. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2022; 28(1): 185-192. doi: 10.3201/eid2801.211862