The Role of Antimicrobial Medicinal Plants in Combating Drug-Resistant Diarrhea

Mutebi Mark

Department of Pharmacology Kampala International University Uganda

Email: mark.mutebi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Diarrheal diseases continue to be a major global health concern, particularly in developing regions, where they are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in treating diarrheal infections have led to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) enteric pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae. As conventional antibiotics become less effective, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments. Medicinal plants, long used in traditional medicine, have shown promising antimicrobial properties against drug-resistant diarrheal pathogens. This paper investigates the efficacy of antimicrobial medicinal plants such as Warburgia salutaris, Hoslundia opposita, Allium sativum, and Moringa stenopetala in treating MDR diarrhea. The study reviews case studies, mechanisms of action, and potential integration into modern healthcare. While these plants offer a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics, challenges such as standardization, regulatory approval, and large-scale clinical validation remain. Future research should focus on in-depth pharmacological studies and policy development to facilitate the incorporation of medicinal plants into mainstream medicine.

Keywords: Antimicrobial medicinal plants, Drug-resistant diarrhea, Multi-drug resistance (MDR), Herbal medicine, Traditional medicine, Enteric infections.

CITE AS: Mutebi Mark (2025). The Role of Antimicrobial Medicinal Plants in Combating Drug-Resistant Diarrhea. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(1):41-45. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/514145