Affiliation:
1. Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic” - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
2. ENT Clinic, Clinical Hospital Centre Zvezdara, Presevska 31, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
Upper respiratory tract infections include inflammations of the nose, sinuses (sinusitis),
pharynx (tonsillitis, pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis) with bacteria or viruses as the
main cause of these conditions. Due to their repetitive nature, chronic respiratory infections
represent a global problem which is often a result of improper treatment. If not treated adequately,
these conditions may have serious consequences. On the other hand, mis - and overuse
of antibiotics has reduced their efficiency and accelerated the development of resistant
bacterial strains, which further complicates the treatment of infections. This literature review
will focus on current knowledge regarding medicinal plants and mushrooms which have been
traditionally used in the treatment of infections caused by chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis
commonly linked to bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus
pyogenes, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis.
The present literature overview might be considered as a starting point for the development
of novel, natural antimicrobial products with potential practical use in the treatment of
chronic tonsillitis and sinusitis.
Funder
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology,Molecular Medicine,Drug Discovery,Biochemistry,Organic Chemistry