ABSTRACT
Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease caused by a group of nematodes (round worms), Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori, which are transmitted by mosquito vectors. According to the recent fact sheet of World Health Organization, around 947 million people belonging to 54 countries are threatened by lymphatic filariasis infection. In the year 2000, over 120 million people were infected, with about 40 million disfigured and incapacitated by the disease globally. The disease results into a heavy socio-economic loss to the developing nations. The elimination of lymphatic filariasis relies on at least five effective annual rounds of mass drug administration program implemented in 422larger communities of endemic areas. It is done using oral medication of three drugs currently available for treatment: diethylcarbamazine, albendazole and ivermectin or a combination of albendazole and ivermectin. However, development of drug resistance is a reported phenomenon in nematodes. Also, these drugs act principally on larval stages (microfilariae) of the parasites and with limited or no effect on adult worms (macrofilariae). Thus, the biggest challenge is to combat adult parasites with a new and safe alternative which can be achieved only by developing newer chemotherapeutic agents against adult worms, a vaccine adjuvant or a prophylactic agent from natural flora. There are a number of plant species that are traditionally being used against many nematode infections; however the curative properties of these have not been explored much. The present review is an effort to collect the research outputs of various studies and approaches in the elimination of filariasis and gives detailed information about some of the major achievements in this area focusing on the development of prophylactic and chemotherapeutic agents from plants.
