Effectiveness Of Medicinal Plant-Based Therapy In The Management Of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Literature Review

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease with the major challenge of drug resistance, particularly in resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Medicinal plant therapy is a potential alternative to conventional TB treatment. Objective: This review analyzes the antimycobacterial potential of medicinal plants and their application in the treatment of TB patients. Methods: This study was a systematic literature review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted in three major electronic databases: Science Direct, Wiley, and PubMed, using the keywords “Tuberculosis Treatment,” “Herbal Medicine,” and “Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)”. Articles included in this review were selected based on certain inclusion criteria, including publication within the last five years, quantitative research, and topic relevance. Of the 924 articles found, 4 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. Results: Some plants, such as Crinum asiaticum and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, showed significant antimycobacterial potential against TB, including MDR-TB. Medicinal plant therapy may reduce dependence on conventional drugs and the risk of resistance. Conclusion: Medicinal plant therapy has great potential to be integrated in TB care. Nurses play an important role in educating and monitoring the effectiveness of this therapy.