Marine Bioactive Products as Potential Antileishmanial Therapeutics

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne, protozoal disease affecting a huge number of humans and animals across the world, particularly in developing countries. Recently, chemotherapeutic agents constitute the mainstay of treatment strategies against leishmaniasis. Nevertheless, the clinical effectiveness is compromised by their toxic effects and growing protozoal resistance. Consequently, the exploration and development of relatively safer and more effective, alternative therapeutics are critically required to combat this major health hazard of global significance. Marine habitats are rich in a wide range of chemical substances, with unique structural patterns and diverse pharmacological actions. This chapter describes the pharmacological basis, therapeutic implications, and safety profile of marine bioactive products as potential antileishmanial drugs.