Dual action of herbal compounds in Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and associated inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for severe infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. Its pathogenicity includes both bacterial virulence factors and host-driven inflammatory responses thereby complicating treatment outcomes. Herbal compounds (phytochemicals) have recently gained attention as promising dual-action therapeutic agents that target both infection and inflammation. Phytochemicals such as curcumin, berberine, quercetin, resveratrol, and several medicinal plant extracts have demonstrated an integrated ability to mitigate both infection as well as host inflammation in preclinical studies. Their ability to attenuate virulence, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate host immune signaling positions them as potential candidates for adjunctive therapy against Kp infections. Furthermore, phytochemical-antibiotic combinations demonstrate synergistic effects, enhancing bacterial clearance and reducing antibiotic dosage requirements. Overall, the dual action of phytochemicals makes them as valuable candidates for integrative therapies against Kp infections and related inflammatory diseases. Unlike the prior reviews, the present review uniquely focusses the dual antibacterial and immunomodulatory actions of plant-derived compounds against Kp. It adds a novel perspective integrating the therapeutic promise of phytochemicals with a systematic analysis of their translational limitations. Further, it provides a rational framework to guide future development of phytochemicals as potent and clinically viable therapeutics against Kp infections. Copyright © 2026 Saqib, Ratlamwala, Kibe, Baig, Hajela and Sharma.