Natural antibiotic

Natural Antibiotics are biological substances that are produced by organisms, including bacteria and fungi, which can inhibit the growth of or kill other microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They are a subset of antimicrobial substances, which also include synthetic antibiotics and antiseptics.

History

The concept of natural antibiotics dates back to the ancient times, when people used various plant and animal substances to treat infections. However, the scientific study of natural antibiotics began in the late 19th century with the work of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. The first natural antibiotic to be discovered and used therapeutically was penicillin, which was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.

Types

There are several types of natural antibiotics, which are classified based on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, and spectrum of activity. Some of the most common types include penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and macrolides.

Mechanism of Action

Natural antibiotics work by interfering with essential processes in the bacterial cell. For example, penicillins and cephalosporins inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to burst and die. Aminoglycosides and tetracyclines inhibit protein synthesis in the bacterial cell, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Resistance

The widespread use of natural antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, which is a major public health concern. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics through several mechanisms, including mutation and the acquisition of resistance genes from other bacteria.

Natural Antibiotics in Traditional Medicine

Many cultures around the world have used natural antibiotics in traditional medicine for centuries. For example, honey has been used as a topical antibiotic in many cultures, and garlic has been used for its antimicrobial properties in traditional Chinese medicine.

See Also

• Antibiotic
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Pharmacology
• Medicinal plants

References

Natural antibiotic Resources
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