Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sesquiterpenes are a large class of terpenoid compounds found in various plants and essential oils, with some well-known examples including β-caryophyllene, farnesol, and artemisinin. There is a growing body of in vitro and some in vivo evidence suggesting that certain sesquiterpenes possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. For example, artemisinin (a sesquiterpene lactone from Artemisia annua) is a cornerstone in the treatment of malaria, while β-caryophyllene and other sesquiterpenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacterial strains, including some antibiotic-resistant species, in laboratory studies.

However, the current evidence for using sesquiterpenes as alternatives to conventional antibiotics in human medicine is limited and primarily preclinical. Most research is in the form of cell culture or animal model studies, with very few clinical trials available. While the mechanisms of action (such as membrane disruption or inhibition of bacterial communication) appear promising, there is insufficient clinical data to recommend sesquiterpenes as a replacement or even a consistent adjunct for standard antibiotics in treating infections. The evidence base is thus rated as low to moderate (2 out of 5), reflecting interesting laboratory findings but a lack of robust human clinical validation.

In summary, while some sesquiterpenes show antimicrobial promise in early studies, more research is needed before they can be considered reliable antibiotic alternatives in clinical practice.

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