A review on efficacy of phytochemicals in the treatment of trypanosomiasis

Trypanosomiasis, which is brought on by trypanosome parasites, is still a serious but often ignored health issue, especially in nations with limited resources. It is necessary to create novel, safe, effective, and alternative anti-trypanosomal chemical substances because current treatments have significant adverse reactions, low potency, high levels of toxicity, and drug resistance. Drug regimens that constitute the fundamental basis of contemporary pharmacological therapy have been largely derived from substances that are natural. Plants are mainly revered as ancient medicines worldwide and have contributed to the development of important pharmaceuticals for widespread medical conditions. An innovative approach for obtaining a reliable and potentially rich source of treatment against a variety of infectious diseases has been demonstrated by plant-focused research. This review discusses various phytoconstituents that have been utilized in the treatment of trypanosomiasis. Various recent and earlier studies that have investigated the in-vitro or in-vivo potential of medicinal plants for anti-trypanosomal properties have been discussed. The presence of bioactive plant-based compounds like quinones, flavonoids, phenols, etc., in the essential oils and unrefined extracts of various medicinal herbs, is part of a significant approach associated with the development of novel therapeutics. These substances have been found to be a reliable source of medicinal substances to aid in the treatment of trypanosomiasis. This review emphasizes the use of various plants with their phytoconstituents as an avenue of novel and potent medications against Trypanosomiasis. It discusses various studies of trypanocidal properties of alkaloids, essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, etc., that have been widely utilized against Trypanosoma. The results from both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate these natural compounds’ potential as therapeutics for the management of Trypanosoma infections.