Genus Abies Mill. (Pinaceae) as the source of plant antimicrobials: A Review

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major global health problems and it’s related to the enormous number of human deaths. The occurrence and severity of infections caused by microbial pathogens illustrate the need for the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobial agents of natural origin. This review discusses a well-known coniferous genus Abies Mill. in terms of antimicrobial potential. Data regarding the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of Abies species were collected and summarized in this review. It was found that 13 different Abies species are recognized as potential sources of antimicrobial compounds. The most investigated species was A. spectabilis (syn. A. webbiana), followed by A. alba, A. cilicica, A. sibirica, A. nordmanniana, A. numidica, A. koreana, A. balsamea, A. holophylla, and A. concolor. Individual studies on A. firma, A. beshanzuensis, and A. cephalonica were also taken into account. The largest number of analyzed results were related to the antibacterial activity of Abies-derived products, but studies on antifungal, and particularly antiviral capacity were also noted. The most investigated products were essential oils and extracts. The broadest antimicrobial activity was observed for A. cilicica. This study noted that some endemic and endangered Abies species were being used for antimicrobial purposes. In that term, the rationalization of the sampling practices and the implementation of the conservation activities are of great importance. This review represents a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the antimicrobial potential of the genus Abies.