Herbal medicines for sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are gaining significant importance at present due to rapid spread of the diseases, high cost of treatment, and the increased risk of transmission of other STDs and AIDS. Current therapies available for symptomatic treatment of STDs and AIDS are quite expensive beyond the reach of common man and are associated with emergence of drug resistance. Many patients of STDs and AIDS are seeking help from alternative systems of medicines such as Unani, Chinese, Ayurvedic, naturopathy, and homeopathy. Since a long time, medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of many infectious diseases without any scientific evidence. At present there is more emphasis on determining the scientific evidence and rationalization of the use of these preparations. Research is in progress to identify plants and their active principles possessing activity against sexually transmitted pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with an objective of providing an effective approach for prevention of transmission and treatment of these diseases. In the present review, plants reported to possess activity or used in traditional systems of medicine for prevention and treatment of STDs including AIDS, herbal formulations for vaginal application, and topical microbicides from herbal origin, have been discussed.
Vermani
Kavita
K
Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, SAS Nagar, 160 062, Punjab, India.
Garg
Sanjay
S
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D003218:Condylomata Acuminata / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000145:classification*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D010936:Plant Extracts