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Quorum Sensing (QS) is a phenomenon in which bacterial cells communicate with
each other with the help of several low molecular weight compounds. QS is largely dependent on
population density, and it triggers when the concentration of quorum sensing molecules accumulate
in the environment and crosses a particular threshold. Once a certain population density is
achieved and the concentration of molecules crosses a threshold, the bacterial cells show a collective
behavior in response to various chemical stimuli referred to as “auto-inducers”. The QS signaling is
crucial for several phenotypic characteristics responsible for bacterial survival such as motility, virulence,
and biofilm formation. Biofilm formation is also responsible for making bacterial cells resistant
to antibiotics.
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The human gut is home to trillions of bacterial cells collectively called “gut microbiota” or “gut
microbes”. Gut microbes are a consortium of more than 15,000 bacterial species and play a very
crucial role in several body functions such as metabolism, development and maturation of the
immune system, and the synthesis of several essential vitamins. Due to its critical role in shaping
human survival and its modulating impact on body metabolisms, the gut microbial community has
been referred to as “the forgotten organ” by O`Hara et al. (2006) [1]. Several studies have demonstrated
that chemical interaction between the members of bacterial cells in the gut is responsible
for shaping the overall microbial community.
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Recent advances in phytochemical research have generated a lot of interest in finding new, effective,
and safer alternatives to modern chemical-based medicines. In the context of antimicrobial
research various plant extracts have been identified with Quorum Sensing Inhibitory (QSI) activities
among bacterial cells. This review focuses on the mechanism of quorum sensing and quorum
sensing inhibitors isolated from natural sources.
Prophage induction mediated by quorum sensing signals alters soil bacterial community structure
