Title:Antibacterial Activity of Polyphenols
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Author(s): Erika Coppo and Anna Marchese
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antibacterial activity, flavones, flavonoids, flavonols, isoflavones, proanthocyanidins, synergy, tannins.
Abstract: Polyphenols are a widely distributed group of natural products found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, stems
and flowers. Such compounds, especially dietary flavonoids and tannins, have been shown to exert antioxidant, antiinflammatory,
anti-cancer and antibacterial effects and may have beneficial effects on human health. The antimicrobial
activity of polyphenols has been widely studied and hundreds of publications reporting the antimicrobial activity of polyphenols
have been recently published. In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, the development of new strategies to
fight bacteria is welcome. Further studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of polyphenols alone or in combination
with currently available antibiotics.