Phytochemicals as Multifunctional Agents: Antimicrobial, Enzyme Inhibitory, and Wound-Healing Potentials in the Era of Drug Resistance

The growing resistance to conventional antimicrobials, the prevalence of chronic wounds, and the global burden of metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders have heightened interest in plant-derived bioactives as alternative therapeutic agents. This review explores the multifunctional potential of phytochemicals and plant extracts with proven antimicrobial, enzyme-inhibitory, and wound-healing properties. Drawing from recent in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies, we examine key phytochemical classes—including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphenols—that exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Emphasis is placed on their mechanisms of enzyme inhibition, targeting urease, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase—enzymes implicated in infectious, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The review further discusses phytochemicals' ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, both central to effective wound healing. Advances in molecular docking, bioavailability enhancement, and synergistic interactions with antibiotics are highlighted. Additionally, we address standardization challenges, safety considerations, and the integration of ethnopharmacological knowledge into modern therapeutic contexts. This synthesis underscores the relevance of plant-based compounds as sustainable, biocompatible alternatives to synthetic drugs and provides a framework for future mechanistic and translational research.