Nutraceuticals and Bioactive Compounds: A Public Health Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

This Research Topic explores the therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds to counter the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Driven mainly by antibiotic misuse across medical, agricultural, and environmental sectors, AMR calls for innovative and sustainable strategies for prevention and treatment. Recent advances in nutraceutical research highlight the potential of medicinal substances derived from food and naturally occurring bioactive molecules to modulate biological pathways and enhance health. Essential oils, terpenes, small microbial peptides, and phenolic compounds are among the most recognized examples. Alongside conventional antibiotics, these molecules provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits. Overcoming translational, technical, and regulatory barriers is essential to integrate these nature-derived compounds into safe, effective, and sustainable therapies for global health.The aim of this Research Topic is to explore the sustainable extraction, identification, and application of natural bioactive compounds from GRAS (generally recognized as safe) microbes, plants, animals, and agro-industrial by-products, supporting circular economy initiatives while generating valuable nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients. Challenges such as instability, limited bioavailability, and inadequate delivery systems can be addressed through advanced formulation and encapsulation techniques. Understanding molecular toxicity and metabolic pathways is also vital to ensure safety and efficacy. Further progress in quality assurance, regulatory harmonization, and scalable production is required for clinical and industrial translation. Integrating nutraceuticals into global health strategies demands multidisciplinary collaboration, strong clinical evidence, and responsible policy frameworks. This goal aligns directly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.To gather further insights into the sustainable use of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds to combat AMR, we welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:1- Innovative extraction strategies for natural compounds in AMR prevention and treatment2- Identification and mechanisms of nutraceuticals and bioactive molecules with anti-AMR activity3- Novel formulation, encapsulation, or synergistic approaches for AMR management4- Combination therapies integrating nutraceuticals with conventional antimicrobials5- Public health interventions and policy frameworks advancing nutraceutical research and use6- Awareness initiatives addressing antibiotic misuse and promoting nutraceutical acceptance Topic editors: Surojit Bera, Debabrata Chowdhury, Joginder Singh, Rodolfo García-Contreras, Manoj Baranwal, Ruchira Mitra Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80506/nutraceuticals-and-bioactive-compounds-a-public-health-approach-to-combat-antimicrobial-resistance