Pharmacognosy of Indian medicinal plants and their future aspects as an Anti-HIV agent: A review

Along with increasing viral diseases, HIV is commonly transmitted virus. This virus is responsible for most of the deaths in the world. Scientist have been developing many methods to treat this disease but results are still doubtful. HIV 1 virus is one of the liable agents which can be affected by approved therapies. Sexual transmission is one of the major routes for HIV infection including other STIs. Microbicideshave been proposed as a promising prevention strategy. These microbicides can be available either in the form of a cream, gel, lubricant or even in the form of a tablet and can be applied topically to the vaginal or rectal surface. Availability of a successful microbicide candidate would greatly empower women (men in homosexual act) to protect themselves and their partners from STIs including HIV infection. In cases where multiple sex partners are involved, availability of a microbicide will play an important role. An ideal microbicide should be applicable hours before sex, preserve the natural anatomy of female reproductive tract (does not lead to lesion and aberration in epithelial layer), protect the natural vaginal micro-ecological system and should not generate any pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this review article medicinal plants that are reported for antiviral activities against HIV infection and reduce the STD load in infected persons will be discussed.