Phytochemical Compounds and Their Antibacterial Activity of Species of the Fabaceae Family Located in Tamaulipas, Mexico: Review

The increasing resistance to antibiotics resulting from their indiscriminate use in humans and animals is a serious public health concern recognized by the WHO and WOAH. In this context, phytotherapy based on medicinal plants represents a promising alternative, particularly due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids with antimicrobial potential. The Fabaceae family stands out for its remarkable diversity and pharmacological relevance. This review integrates available information on the 347 species recorded in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Only 64 species have been subjected to phytochemical studies, and 46 are traditionally used in medicine, mainly to treat digestive disorders (32%), dermatological conditions (18%), and parasitic infections (15%). The most frequently reported metabolites are tannins and flavonoids, which support their empirical use and therapeutic potential. The main extraction techniques identified were maceration (47.7%) and Soxhlet (10.8%), employing solvents such as methanol (21.5%), water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. Herbaceous and arboreal plants were the most investigated. Phenols and flavonoids exhibited antioxidant properties with antibacterial and antifungal activity, whereas alkaloids showed antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. The greatest metabolic diversity was found in leaves. Microbiological studies highlight notable activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, mainly evaluated through the disk diffusion method.