A Review on Plant Extracts and Bioactive Molecules in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections. Urinary Tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women than in men. These infections can affect the upper urinary tract, leading to conditions such as pyelonephritis and kidney Infections, or the lower urinary tract, resulting in less severe conditions like cystitis and Urethritis. The primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains has spurred interest in alternative treatment options, particularly those derived from medicinal plants which possess strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-adhesive, and diuretic effects, making them promising candidates for UTI management. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic potential of key medicinal plants and their active constituents in the treatment of UTIs, with a focus on their mechanisms of action, pharmacological properties, and available clinical data. Highlighted species include Vaccinium macrocarpon, known for its proanthocyanidins that prevent bacterial adhesion; Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, which contains Hydroquinone, natural urinary antiseptic; and Camellia sinensis, which contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Ociumum sanctum, which contains Flavonoids; Citrus Paradisi, which contains Procyanidins B1; Armoracia Rusticana (Horseradish), which contains Sinigrin; Eugenia caryophyllata, which contains Eugenol; Zingiber officinale, which contains 6-gingerol;Moringa oleifera, which contains Quercetin; Agathosma betulina, which contains Barosmin, Solanum, Xanthocarpum, which contains spirosol, Echinacea Purpurea, which contains chicaric acid; Chamomilla Matricaria, which contains Apigenin; Hybanthus Enneasperamus, which contains Kaempferol and Allium sativum , which contains Allicin both of which promote diuresis and exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.