Review. Drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus and overcoming it by natural products.
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.
University of Heidelberg, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg, Germany.
Julia
J
Hupfeld
Thomas
T
Efferth
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D001688:Biological Products