Current Approaches to Discover Marine Antileishmanial Natural Products

Author(s)

Tempone, Andre G. ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Camila Martins ^[2] ; Berlinck, Roberto G. S. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Inst Adolfo Lutz Registro, Lab Appl Toxinol Antiparasit Drugs, Dept Parasitol, BR-01246000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Phys Chem, Inst Quim Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Planta Medica; v. 77, n. 6, p. 572-585, APR 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 66

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease caused by kinetoplastid protozoans. An urgent need for novel chemotherapeutics exists. The current approaches to discover new antileishmanial compounds present many drawbacks, including high- cost and time-consuming bioassays. Thus, advances in leishmaniasis treatment are limited, and the development of screening assays is hindered. The combination of multidisciplinary approaches using standardised methods and synchronous projects could be an alternative to develop novel drugs for leishmaniasis treatment. In this review, we discuss the current status of leishmaniasis occurrence and treatment. In addition, we address the advantages and limitations of in vitro leishmaniasis bioassays and discuss the findings of drug discovery research using natural products. Finally, we comprehensively review the marine natural products that are active against Leishmania spp., including their natural sources and bioactivity profile. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/60175-2 - Discovery and development of potential chemotherapeutic agents based on marine invertebrates and associated micro-organisms
• Grantee: Roberto Gomes de Souza Berlinck
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants