Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and pandemic disease of the immune system caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks a specific type of white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes which are essential for normal functioning of human immune system that protects body against every type of illnesses. Antiretroviral therapies are prescribed for the treatment of AIDS/HIV. Although these agents have been used clinically, most of them are not yet completely effective against HIV and also associated with many adverse effects, drug resistance. In many developing and developed countries, a large number of populations believe on traditional herbal formulation to meet primary health care needs. Medicinal plants are loaded with therapeutic phytoconstituents, which possess anti-AIDS activity by Inhibiting HIV protease, reverse transcriptase, cell-to-cell transmission, viral replication, syncytia formation and stopping spread of HIV among lymphocytes. In the present review, we have collected information about some medicinal plants and natural phytoconstituents that have been studied preclinically against HIV, which may open new arena for the development of novel anti-HIV herbal formulations.
Loading....