Abstract
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Combinational anti-HIV therapy has largely improved patients' lives, but is not widely available in developing countries. Moreover, drug resistance is a main problem during HIV treatment. Therefore, there is a continuous need for new drugs effective against otherwise drug-resistant HIV strains. Chemical compounds from natural sources provide a large variety of potential anti-HIV compounds. The most promising natural products are discussed in this review.
- Antiviral agents
- chemotherapy
- drug resistance
- human immunodeficiency virus
- natural products
- pharmacognosy
- review
- Received September 12, 2008.
- Revision received December 4, 2008.
- Accepted December 8, 2008.
- Copyright © 2009 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved