<b>Anti-HIV substances of natural origin – <i style="">An updated account</i></b>

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection targets and destroys a specific type of white blood cells (T₄Lymphocytes), leading to the development of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). With the recent advances in biochemistry and pathophysiology of HIV the complete life cycle of HIV and its pathogenesis is well understood and therefore, the anti-HIV agents can be classified on the basis of their role in replicative cycle of HIV virion. A number of synthetic, semi-synthetic as well as drugs of natural origin are reported to be active against HIV. In this paper, various drugs of plant and mineral origin have been thoroughly discussed including their classification based upon their mechanisms of action. Since, more than 90% of HIV infected individuals live in developing countries where easy access to expensive and synthetic drugs is scare and hence natural substance shall be proved to be a boon to mankind in continuing battle against AIDS.