Antitubercular potential of plants: a brief account of some important molecules

Med Res Rev. 2010 Jul;30(4):603-45. doi: 10.1002/med.20170.

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most lethal pathogen causing tuberculosis in human. After the discovery of antitubercular drugs pyrazinamide, rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, and ethambutol (PRISE), the disease was controlled for a limited period. However, over the course of their usage, the pathogen acquired resistance and evolved into multi-drug resistant, single-drug resistant, and extensive drug resistant forms. A good number of plant secondary metabolites are reported to have antitubercular activity comparable to the existing antitubercular drugs or sometimes even better in potency. A well-defined strategy is required to exploit these phytomolecules as antitubercular drugs. This review gives concise up-to-date information regarding the chemistry and pharmacology of plant-based leads and some insight into their structure-activity relationship.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / chemistry*
  • Antitubercular Agents / classification
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology
  • Tuberculosis / microbiology

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents