Abstract

Emerging antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem that has led to the need for development of novel antimicrobials. Evaluation of natural products as safe and effective antimicrobial agents is one of the scientific strategies to combat the menace of drug-resistant pathogens. Natural products are in use for the treatment of infectious diseases since times immemorial and plants have been an integral part of traditional medicinal system all over the world. Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in homemade remedies as an impressive number of modern drugs have been developed from plants. The objective of this review is to provide a consolidated report on traditional uses and biological activities of three medicinal plants viz. Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgareand Trachyspermum ammi which have been extensively used for gastrointestinal disorders.

Key words: Antimicrobials, bioactivity, Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare, medicinal plants, Trachyspermum ammi.