Plants used in Lebanon and the Middle East as Antimicrobials

Abstract

Medicinal traditional plants are a source of inspiration for the discovery of new bioactive substances. Plant infusions, extracts, and essential oils are known for their diverse biological activity since they are rich in secondary metabolites. The Mediterranean area in general and Lebanon in particular is known for its plant diversity due to its climate and geographical location. This chapter will provide an overview of Lebanese plants with antimicrobial activity. Many of these plants are known for their culinary and traditional medicinal uses for the treatment of different ailments. The main plant families discussed here include Amaryllidaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Berberidaceae, Cannabaceae, Cistaceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Pinaceae, Portulacaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rutaceae, Rosaceae, and others.