Evergreen trees that heal: Anti-pathogenic properties of Syzygium Sp.

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal-resistant pathogens over the past decades has driven the search for potential sources of novel anti-pathogenic compounds. Phytochemicals such as metabolites from Syzygium species have been well-reported to possess immense pharmacological potential with their derived bioactive components. Several phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenes and tannins have been identified and proven to be associated with antimicrobial potential. A number of inhibitory mechanisms were elucidated through morphological evaluation of bacteria, antibiofilm assays, and analysis of anti-virulence factors, which are strong indications of their therapeutic properties. A vast majority of the Syzygium plants are considered safe to use, as verified by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. This review explores the scope of proven antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects of Syzygium species, which could be utilised as a form of complementary and alternative medicine and provide insight into the current dearth of novel pharmaceuticals to address the challenge of drug resistance.