Natural Products and Their Modifications as Agents Used in the Fight against Pathogens

The increasing resistance of bacterial strains to commercially available antibiotics remains one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine. Consequently, the identification and characterization of novel bioactive compounds of natural origin have become essential in combating this global issue. Equally crucial is the preservation of the intestinal microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining systemic homeostasis and overall health. Natural extracts exhibit diverse biological activities and frequently exert protective effects on the gut microbiota. Therefore, the rational design and selection of chemical modifications that enhance antimicrobial activity while simultaneously supporting immune functions, and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties, are of particular scientific interest.

This Reprint brings together research and review articles focusing on these key aspects. It presents studies comparing the biological activity of pathogenic bacterial strains and/or intestinal microbiota in the presence of natural compounds and their chemically modified derivatives. Manuscripts included in this collection also explore the bioactivity of crude plant extracts, isolated compounds, and dominant phytochemical combinations naturally occurring in plants. Moreover, this Reprint highlights the potential of extracts and their major constituents' processes. These approaches represent a promising direction in the ongoing development of novel therapeutic strategies against infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms.