Natural and Semi synthetic Antimalarial Compounds: Emphasis on the Terpene Class

Author(s)

Silva, G. N. S. ^[1] ; Rezende, L. C. D. ^[2] ; Emery, F. S. ^[2] ; Gosmann, G. ^[1] ; Gnoatto, S. C. B. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Sch Pharm, Grad Program Pharmaceut Sci, BR-90610000 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: MINI-REVIEWS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY; v. 15, n. 10, p. 809-836, 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most important tropical diseases since more than 40% of the world population is at risk. This disease is endemic to more than 100 nations and remains one of the main leading causes of death in children less than five years of age worldwide. Natural product-derived compounds have played a major role in drug discovery, often as prototypes to obtain more active semi synthetic derivatives. Antimalarial pharmacotherapy is a significant example of plant-derived medicines, such as quinine and artemisinin. This review highlights studies on terpenes and their semi synthetic derivatives from natural sources with antimalarial activity reported in the literature during eleven years (2002-2013). A total of 114 compounds are found among terpenes and their semi synthetic derivatives. Cytotoxicity of the compounds is also found in this review. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the terpenes addressed are discussed based on seven well established descriptors, which provide a useful source for the elaboration of a terpene library of antimalarial compounds. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/20990-2 - Antiinfective compounds: an evolution in the medicinal chemistry of leishmanicidal tiazoles and the search for new tuberculostic agents
• Grantee: Flavio da Silva Emery
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants