What are "natural antibiotics"?

Natural antibiotics refer to antimicrobial agents that are derived from natural sources, such as plants, fungi, and bacteria. These substances have inherent antimicrobial properties that can inhibit or kill bacteria and other pathogens. The development of many traditional antibiotics originated from microorganisms found in nature, such as penicillin, which is derived from the mold Penicillium.

Natural antibiotics are crucial in the field of medicine as they provide an effective means of treating infections without the modifications that synthetic versions undergo. Understanding the origins and functions of these substances is essential for the development of new treatment strategies and for promoting the responsible use of antimicrobial therapies.

Artificially synthesized antibiotics, which are included in one of the other options, are distinct in that they are chemically created in laboratories and may not directly fit the definition of natural antibiotics. Similarly, requirements for prescriptions or the efficacy of substances do not pertain to the definition of natural antibiotics. Hence, the focus on naturally derived antimicrobial agents underscores the importance of harnessing the inherent capabilities of nature in combating infectious diseases.