Quebrachitol, an optically active cyclitol derived from plants, has recently gained attention as a potential natural product with therapeutic properties, though its antimicrobial effects remain unclear. This systematic review aims to determine, appraise, and consolidate evidence of the antimicrobial potential of quebrachitol. PRISMA-guided searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2000–2024) identified English-language experimental in vitro, in vivo, and in ovo studies. Data on antimicrobial activity, dosage or treatment duration, and mechanisms were extracted, with study quality assessed using QUIN and SYRCLE tools. Of 866 studies screened, 11 met inclusion criteria: seven in vitro, one in vivo, one in ovo, and two combining both approaches. Quebrachitol demonstrated inhibitory effects against Salmonella sp., Candida albicans, infectious bursal disease virus (Avibirnavirus gumboroense), Newcastle disease virus, Plasmodium sp., and notably, biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overall, quebrachitol exhibits promising antimicrobial potential, but rigorous in vivo studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety in addressing antimicrobial resistance.
Jong et al. (2026) studied this question.