Abstract

The main objective of this study was to conduct a review of bioactive substances derived from plants which show antimicrobial/antibiofilm properties. Vegetable species were widely employed as ingredients in medicine based on traditional knowledge. Various secondary metabolites have been proven to inhibit bacterial growth. Bacterial resistance mechanisms have increased over the years. Biofilms are types of bacterial association which gives the communities a higher resistance to drugs. The formation process of biofilms, the problems caused by them and the natural substances, as well as their main chemical components and action mechanisms, have been described according to existing literature.

Key words: Natural product, antimicrobial activity, biofilm.