Exploring the Pharmacological Application of Terpenoids in Plasmid Curing

The World Health Organization [WHO] has identified antimicrobial resistance [AMR] as one of the top ten dangers to world health. By decreasing the effectiveness of antibiotics and making contemporary medical treatments more difficult, it poses serious hazards to public health, food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. AMR is mostly caused by the propagation of resistance genes found on plasmids, which make it easier for bacterial populations to acquire resistance. The issue is made worse by the overuse and abuse of antibiotics in aquaculture, agriculture, and human health. Environmental elements like wastewater discharge also contribute to the spread of resistant strains. This review article's goal is to draw attention to a viable strategy for fighting AMR that entails getting rid of plasmids that carry resistance by utilizing chemical curing agents, which have drawbacks because of their toxicity, mutagenicity, and environmental unsuitability. These difficulties show the need for innovative, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly substitutes. A long-term remedy for AMR is provided by phytocompounds, which are obtained from medicinal plants. Terpenoids are a highly lipophilic class of phytocompounds that have demonstrated the ability to damage bacterial membranes and prevent the spread of plasmids.