Medicinal Plants Classification Biosynthesis and ... - Index of

Preface
(i) complexation with macromolecules such as proteins and polysaccharides, thus inhibiting
their functions (polyphenols); (ii) disruption of microbial membranes (lipophilic flavonoids,
terpenoids, plant defensins); and (iii) inhibition of adhesion of microbial proteins to host
polysaccharide receptors (polypeptides). Medicinal plants also provide compounds which are
not necessarily effective against microorganisms, but which enhance or restore the activity of
antibiotics by inhibiting resistance mechanisms. These compounds belong to several
phytochemical groups and act as inhibitors of efflux pumps (flavonoids, terpenoids,
alkaloids); inhibitors of PBP 2a (quinones, terpenoids), enhancers of the permeability of
bacterial membrane (terpenoids) and beta-lactamases inhibitors (alkyls gallates).
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