Abstract Detail

Society for Economic Botany/BSA Economic Botany Section

Quave, Dr. Cassandra L. [1].

Medicinal plants as modulators of microbial pathogenesis.

Historically, most studies on the anti-infective potential of botanical CAM therapies have focused on microbiocidal or -static activity. However, recent work has led to the discovery of anti-virulence agents that target microbial pathogenesis rather than growth or survival. This approach offers the advantage of specificity to distinct molecular targets while reducing selective pressures for the development of drug resistance. Some prominent examples include the proanthocyanidins from Vaccinium macrocarpon that disrupt adhesion of P-fimbriated E. coli to uroepithelial cells¹, accounting for efficacy in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. Likewise, Allium sativum has been found to attenuate virulence by inhibiting hyphae formation in Candida albicans²and also by blocking quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa³. Several Italian medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of skin and soft tissue infection⁴ have also been found to inhibit S. aureus quorum-sensing⁵ and biofilm formation⁶. My research objectives are to assess the anti-pathogenic properties of medicinal plant products in the treatment of infectious disease. Natural products offer a distinct advantage over their synthetic counterparts due to their rich structural diversity, chirality, and extensive functional group chemistry. Data on the anti-pathogenic properties of select medicinal plants will be presented and a general overview of this approach to drug discovery will be provided. 1. Howell, A. (2007). Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of UTI. Mol.Nutr.Food.Res.51,732-737.2. Low, C., et al. (2008). Inhibition of hyphae formation and SIR2 expression in Candida albicans treated with fresh Allium sativum extract. J.Appl.Microbiol.105,2169-2177.3. Harjai, K., et al. (2010). Garlic blocks quorum sensing and attenuates the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FEMS.Immunol.Med.Microbiol.58,161-168.4. Quave, C., et al. (2008). Dermatological remedies in the traditional pharmacopoeia of Vulture-Alto Bradano, inland southern Italy. J.Ethnobiol.Ethnomed.4,5.5. Quave, C., et al. (2010). Quorum-sensing inhibitors for MRSA from Italian medicinal plants. Planta.Med. 76,1-8.6. Quave, C., et al. (2008). Effects of extracts from Italian medicinal plants on planktonic growth, biofilm formation and adherence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J.Ethnopharm.118,418-428.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Website with links to publications by C. Quave on this topic

1 - University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Microbiology and Immunology, 4301 W. Markham St., #511, Little Rock, AR, 72205-7199, USA

Keywords:
medicinal plants
antimicrobial
drug discovery
traditional medicine.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 02
Location: Maryland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: 02006
Abstract ID:162