The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands novel agents against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This review examines the antimicrobial potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), transitioning them from ethnomedicine to molecular pharmacognosy. Neem's limonoids (e.g., azadirachtin, nimbolide) and Tulsi's phenolics (e.g., eugenol) disrupt bacterial membranes, inhibit enzymes like DNA gyrase, and eradicate biofilms. Eugenol acts as an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI), re-sensitizing MDR strains such as Staphylococcus aureus via NorA blockade. Green nanotechnology, including silver nanoparticles from these plants, enhances bioavailability. Despite standardization challenges, these botanicals offer safe, synergistic candidates for next-generation therapies.
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Archana Pandey
494-515
10.5281/zenodo.22994258
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