Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoid Derivatives for Certain Neglected Tropical Diseases

Abstract

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases that mostly affect people living in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in impoverished areas. Ubiquitously found in plants, flavonoids are a group of compounds that have been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities against parasites (Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Brugia malayi, etc.) that cause certain NTDs.

Aims: The present study aims to highlight and discuss our recent reports on the implication of flavonoids in drug development for NTDs, such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, filariasis, among others.

Results: Today, studies show that flavonoids exhibit in vitro antileishmanial, anti-trypanosomiasis, antifilarial activities, among others. Furthermore, the molecular hybridization of flavonoids with the triazole groups has led to the development of compounds with improved biological activity. The incorporation of chemical groups, such as NO₂, F, and Cl groups, during the process of design and synthesis, leads to the enhancement of pharmacological activity.

Conclusion: Flavonoids are useful metabolites that can be prospected as potential leads for the development of new agents against certain NTDs. However, research opportunities, including cytotoxicity and in vivo studies, mechanisms of action, bioavailability of these compounds, remain to be investigated in the future.

Keywords: Neglected tropical diseases; bioavailability; drug development; flavonoids; lead optimization; triazoles.