Leishmaniasis: An appraisal of current medications and potential natural sources

ABOUT AUTHOR
Sonika¹*, Seema Mahor¹, Hina Chadha¹, Smriti Tripathi¹, Vaibhav Prakash Srivastava¹, Mansi Upadhyay^2
1 Vishveshwarya Group of Institutions, School of Pharmacy, Greater Noida, U.P., India-203207
² Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, U.P., India-209305
*E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases prevalent in various developing nations.The information available is very limited in a number of countries so the first in-depth exercise is better to estimate the real impact of  leishmaniasis and its approaches to cure. Among the various forms of leishmaniasis, the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis were more prevalent. This review highlights the current status of antileishmanial drugs along with an insight to herbal and marine moieties for which antileishmanial activity has been documented. Since most of the natural products were bio-compatible and safe to use with few impact of side effects, the evaluation of these natural exudates or extracts and their active constituents is a logical way of approaching for new drugs to treat leishmaniasis.
Key words: Visceral leishmaniasis, Sandfly, Antimonials, Natural sources, Vaccine.