A comprehensive review on herbal approaches for treatment of urinary tract infections: Scope and challenges

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have become a major health concern globally, necessitating effective treatments for mitigating discomfort and avert complications. The uropathogens commonly associated with UTIs in humans such as Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are progressively developing resistance to current treatments and medications. The ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicines and its holistic approach can contribute to UTI treatment due to its lower toxicity, effectiveness against pathogens, and cost efficiency making it a viable option to complement or replace conventional treatments. This review delineates the key probable interactions between the bioactive components of antibacterial herbal drugs and UTI pathogens. Herbal drugs are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols which can effectively neutralize free radicals and inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms. These actions help alleviate oxidative stress and contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Certain specific herbs traditionally identified for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity have been evaluated for their efficacy towards treatment of UTIs. Finally, the review addresses the challenges associated with herbal treatments of UTIs including issues related to standardization, dosage, and potential interactions with conventional medications that need to be overcome for broader acceptance and application.