HIV/AIDS and Bioactive Natural Products

Contents Foreword. Preface. I 1. Introduction. 2. Morphology and life cycle of HIV. 3. Functions of structural components. 4. Immune response to HIV infection. 5. Clinical spectrum and pathogenesis. 6. Management of AIDS. 7. Vaccines for HIV. II 8. Role of natural products in treatment and management of AIDS. 9. Proteins. 10. Alkaloids. 11. Polysaccharides. 12. Tannins. 13. Flavonoids. 14. Lignans. 15. Coumarins. 16. Terpenoids. 17. Herbal drug formulations for treatment and management of HIV AIDS. Glossary. Abbreviations. Subject index. Since the identification of AIDS in 1980s the spread of the disease has been so dramatic that the number of HIV infected patients has reached to about 40 million as per WHO estimate 2006. The global HIV AIDS epidemic has killed more than 2.9 million people in 2006. In Asia 8.6 million HIV infected cases have been reported in the year 2006 2007 where in India emerged as a country having largest HIV infected population surpassing South Africa. Till date there is no complete cure for AIDS and the disease is simply managed by antiretroviral therapy. Constant research for newer drug molecules is going on throughout the world. Many traditionally based medicines are available world wide although there is no scientific basis for it. WHO has highlighted the importance of evaluation of plant based drugs for the treatment and management. Since 1980 a large number of medicinal plants have been extensively evaluated in search of their potential for the fight against HIV AIDS. Natural products have been reported to have the Anti HIV activity against variety of enzymes and other structural components of HIV. This book is intended to make a worthwhile contribution to disseminate knowledge and develop awareness about global perspectives on AIDS and bioactive natural products. 518 pp.…