Staphylococcus aureus causes recurrent skin and soft tissue infections that are increasingly difficult to treat because antimicrobial resistance reduces therapeutic success. Biofilm matrices restrict antimicrobial penetration and maintain persister cells within superficial lesions, which promotes relapse after apparently adequate therapy. Persistent colonization within hair follicles and damaged epidermis further supports survival in cutaneous niches. Adhesin driven attachment and quorum-sensing regulation stabilize early biofilm development in vivo. Plant derived natural products provide membrane active and anti-virulence compounds that are suitable for topical use. Flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic acids disrupt membrane structure and interfere with quorum-sensing networks. Several phytochemicals reduce adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and limit early biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo. Volatile constituents show rapid evaporation and limited residence time at infected sites, while poor aqueous solubility and chemical instability restrict penetration into deeper epidermal layers. Lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and hydrogel systems improve retention and local bioavailability of encapsulated phytochemicals. Microneedle assisted delivery increases localization within viable epidermis without producing systemic exposure. This review evaluates plant derived natural products relevant to topical management of antimicrobial resistant S. aureus skin infections.
- Open Access
- Review
Plant-Derived Natural Products for Treating Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections: An Update
Author Information
Received: 26 Feb 2026 | Revised: 16 Apr 2026 | Accepted: 20 Apr 2026 | Published: 08 May 2026
Abstract
Keywords
Staphylococcus aureus | natural products | anti-virulence | biofilm inhibition | topical delivery | nanotechnology
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