Plant-based compositions for the treatment of local and topical bacterial infections: a patent review

Future Microbiol. 2024;19(6):535-557. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0201. Epub 2024 Mar 26.

Abstract

Aim: To examine recent patents related to plants with antimicrobial effects. Methods: Our investigation was carried out using the Espacenet database, searching patents related to International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61P31/04, and A61K36/00 between 2008 and 2023. Results: The study began with 360 patents, of which 15 were found to be duplicates; 144 were not related to the research topic and six were not available. Then, 48 patents were related to other administration routes. The final selection was 47 patents related to local administration compositions. The potential for these herbal compositions to be marketed as over-the-counter medicines was evident. Conclusion: Developing new plant-origin anti-infective agents could provide promising solutions for combating resistant infections and offer accessible treatment options.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; bacteria; herbal medicine; patents; topical.

Plain language summary

[Box: see text].

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections* / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections* / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Nonprescription Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Nonprescription Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Patents as Topic*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Nonprescription Drugs