Harnessing the Power of Nature: Herbal Medicine in the Fight Against Tuberculosis
摘要
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a critical global health issue, especially with the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. The current arsenal of anti-TB drugs is increasingly compromised by their tendency to promote the development of resistant bacterial populations, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic options. Nature, with its rich diversity of bioactive compounds, offers a promising source for the development of novel anti-TB agents. Herbal medicines, which are deeply rooted in traditional medical practices and widely used by a large proportion of the global population, hold significant promise in this area. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 85–90% of people worldwide rely on traditional medicines due to their higher tolerance and lower incidence of adverse effects. Many medicinal plants from families such as Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Meliaceae exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, making them attractive candidates for developing new antimycobacterial drugs. This chapter explores the potential of herbal medicine in the fight against tuberculosis, offering a comprehensive evaluation of recent research on medicinal plants and their capacity to produce new anti-TB drugs. By focusing on the effectiveness of traditional Ayurvedic herbs, it identifies opportunities to incorporate these proven remedies into contemporary TB treatment approaches. The chapter ultimately advocates for the exploration of natural products as a source of innovative therapies that could revolutionize the treatment and management of this worldwide health challenge.