The chapter discusses the potential of plant-derived antimicrobials in combating infectious diseases, which account for a significant portion of deaths in both tropical and industrialized countries. Historically, plants have been a rich source of effective anti-infective agents, such as emetine, quinine, and berberine. Phytomedicines derived from plants have shown promise in treating intractable infectious diseases, including opportunistic AIDS infections. The chapter highlights the active components and medicinal uses of several plants, including *Hydrastis canadensis* (goldenseal), *Garcinia kola* (bitter kola), *Polygonum sp.*, and *Aframomum melegueta* (grains of paradise). It also reviews newer drugs like *Xylopia aethiopica*, *Araliopsis tabouensis*, *Cryptolepis sanguinolenta*, *Chasmanthera dependens*, and *Nauclea* species, which exhibit antimicrobial properties. The economic benefits of the herbal products market and the need for sustainable cultivation of these plants are also discussed. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of using plants as a source of inspiration for new drugs and the potential of phytomedicines in addressing public health concerns related to infectious diseases.The chapter discusses the potential of plant-derived antimicrobials in combating infectious diseases, which account for a significant portion of deaths in both tropical and industrialized countries. Historically, plants have been a rich source of effective anti-infective agents, such as emetine, quinine, and berberine. Phytomedicines derived from plants have shown promise in treating intractable infectious diseases, including opportunistic AIDS infections. The chapter highlights the active components and medicinal uses of several plants, including *Hydrastis canadensis* (goldenseal), *Garcinia kola* (bitter kola), *Polygonum sp.*, and *Aframomum melegueta* (grains of paradise). It also reviews newer drugs like *Xylopia aethiopica*, *Araliopsis tabouensis*, *Cryptolepis sanguinolenta*, *Chasmanthera dependens*, and *Nauclea* species, which exhibit antimicrobial properties. The economic benefits of the herbal products market and the need for sustainable cultivation of these plants are also discussed. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of using plants as a source of inspiration for new drugs and the potential of phytomedicines in addressing public health concerns related to infectious diseases.