The Role of Plants Having Antimicrobial Properties in the Management of Mental Health Disorders: A Review

Abstract

Millions worldwide suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, underscoring the need for effective, accessible treatments. While conventional therapies have made strides in managing these conditions, challenges such as side effects and high costs persist. This review explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants with antimicrobial properties in addressing mental health disorders as there is an established body of knowledge on the link between the gut and the brain (GBA). The impact of the microbes in the gut on the hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune system to name a few has been seen to interfere with the development of mental illness and alleviation of symptoms. The relevant articles were retrieved for analysis through a comprehensive review of current literature using databases like Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and keywords like ‘Medicinal plants’ ‘Mental health’ ‘Bioactive compounds’, and the appropriate Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria were relevant to common mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, while the exclusion criteria included duplicates, lack of full-text availability, and non-English publications. The bioactive compounds in these plants—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids—were analyzed for their interactions with neurotransmitter systems and contributions to mental well-being. Key medicinal plants with antimicrobial properties, including St. John's wort, ashwagandha, and turmeric, were examined for their impact on mental health. The review also highlights the difficulties in translating traditional knowledge into clinical applications, calling for standardization and ethical considerations. Finally, the potential for drug development using biotechnology to enhance the therapeutic value of these medicinal plants is discussed, offering a promising avenue for future mental health treatments.