The Role of Natural Products in Tropical Diseases

Tropical diseases are largely prevalent in the tropics and they are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Tropical diseases refer to infectious diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), African trypanosomiasis, and dengue that thrive in relatively hot and humid conditions. This chapter presents an overview of recent developments on the use of various natural products active against malaria, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and African trypanosomiasis.

Keywords: African Trypanosomiasis, American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease), Leishmaniasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Malaria, Natural Products, Tropical Diseases.