Antibacterial

Antibacterial plants are those that can inhibit or destroy pathogenic bacteria including both gram-negative and gram-positive species. Antibacterials elicit an effect through multiple pharmacological activities, either by direct bactericidal effects or inhibition of bacterial growth and replication. These mechanisms of action include disrupting cell wall membranes, inhibition of nucleic acid or protein synthesis and disruption of microbial biofilm formation and enzymes.

Antibacterial herbs can be prescribed for infections affecting the respiratory, urinary or gastrointestinal systems and can support immune resilience while reducing antibiotic resistance risk.

Examples of antibacterial herbs include echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and andrographis (Andrographis paniculata).