https://wikimd.com/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=AntimicrobialAntimicrobial - Revision history2026-04-22T04:49:14ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Antimicrobial&diff=5030589&oldid=prevPrab at 13:39, 11 November 20232023-11-11T13:39:33Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>An '''antimicrobial''' is a substance designed to combat and limit the growth of [[microbe]]s. These microbes encompass various pathogens, such as [[bacterium|bacteria]], [[fungi]], [[virus]]es, and [[parasite]]s. By targeting these pathogens, antimicrobials play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of infections.<br />
[[File:Mechanim of Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides.jpg|thumb|Mechanim of Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides]] <br />
== '''Main Classes of Antimicrobials''' ==<br />
=== '''[[Antibiotics]]''' ===<br />
[[Antibiotics]] represent a subset of antimicrobials known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Initially, antibiotics were derived from living organisms, but advancements in science have led to the [[Chemical synthesis|synthesis]] of these compounds, like the [[sulfonamide]]s.<br />
<br />
The rise of antibiotics in the 20th century profoundly impacted medicine by reducing morbidity and mortality due to bacterial infections. This era was marked by significant discoveries from 1945 to 1970. However, post-1980 saw a decline in new antimicrobial agents, and a concerning surge in bacterial resistance {{citationneeded}}.<br />
<br />
Such resistance is a result of the misuse of antibiotics, for instance, when prescribed for viral infections. The widespread and incorrect use of these drugs has spurred antibiotic-resistant pathogens, leading to global health concerns. A potential solution lies in harnessing the antimicrobial properties of plants, many of which traditional healers have employed for ages. Modern research has shown numerous plants possess components that inhibit bacterial growth and may offer a different mode of action than contemporary antibiotics.<br />
[[File:AntiMicrobial Symbol.png|AntiMicrobial Symbol|thumb]]<br />
=== '''[[Essential oils]]''' ===<br />
Many [[essential oils]] are known for their external antimicrobial activities, and they find use in a range of applications:<br />
<br />
* [[Tea tree oil]]: Widely used in cosmetics and medicine.<br />
* [[Mint]] oil: Found in medicines and cosmetics like toothpaste.<br />
* [[Leleshwa]] oil: Known for its potent antimicrobial properties.<br />
* [[Sandalwood]] oil: Common in cosmetics.<br />
* [[Clove]] oil: Used in [[stomatology]] and other medicinal applications.<br />
* [[Lavender oil]]: Popular in aromatherapy.<br />
* [[Nigella sativa]] (Black cumin) oil: Known for its broad therapeutic properties.<br />
* [[Onion]] (''Allium cepe''): Its [[phytoncides]] are used in [[phytotherapy]].<br />
Some of these oils, owing to their acknowledged benefits, have been incorporated into national [[Pharmacopoeia]]s, while many are also popular in [[Aromatherapy]].<br />
<br />
=== '''[[Nitrofuranes]]''' ===<br />
Nitrofuranes are synthetic antimicrobials known for their broad-spectrum activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.<br />
<br />
=== '''Inorganic cations''' ===<br />
<br />
Hg<sup>2+</sup> and Hg<sub>2</sub><sup>2+</sup>: Have historical use as antimicrobials but are less common today due to toxicity concerns.<br />
Ag+: Silver ions have long been recognized for their antimicrobial properties, especially in wound care.<br />
=== '''Organic surfactants''' ===<br />
Organic surfactants function by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This action can lead to the lysis or disintegration of the microbe, rendering it nonfunctional.<br />
<br />
== '''See also''' ==<br />
* [[Antibiotics]]<br />
* [[Antiseptic]]<br />
* [[Disinfectant]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
{{Antibiotics social and layman issues}}<br />
{{Concepts in infectious disease}}<br />
[[Category:Antimicrobials| ]]<br />
[[Category:Biocides]]</div>Prab