Title:Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoid Derivatives for Certain Neglected
Tropical Diseases
Volume: 23
Issue: 7
Author(s): Boniface Kamdem Pone*Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Keywords:
Neglected tropical diseases, flavonoids, triazoles, lead optimization, drug development, bioavailability.
Abstract:
Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases that mostly affect
people living in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in impoverished areas. Ubiquitously
found in plants, flavonoids are a group of compounds that have been reported to exhibit a wide
range of biological activities against parasites (Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma
brucei, Brugia malayi, etc.) that cause certain NTDs.
Aims: The present study aims to highlight and discuss our recent reports on the implication of flavonoids
in drug development for NTDs, such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis,
filariasis, among others.
Results: Today, studies show that flavonoids exhibit in vitro antileishmanial, anti-trypanosomiasis,
antifilarial activities, among others. Furthermore, the molecular hybridization of flavonoids with the
triazole groups has led to the development of compounds with improved biological activity. The incorporation
of chemical groups, such as NO2, F, and Cl groups, during the process of design and
synthesis, leads to the enhancement of pharmacological activity.
Conclusion: Flavonoids are useful metabolites that can be prospected as potential leads for the development
of new agents against certain NTDs. However, research opportunities, including cytotoxicity
and in vivo studies, mechanisms of action, bioavailability of these compounds, remain to be
investigated in the future.
