Filariasis: Role of medicinal plant in lymphatic filariasis

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne disease and is one of the major public health problems in many parts of the tropics. About one-third of the global population at risk for this disease lives in India. Although large scale initiatives have been taken to eliminate this disease by WHO and countries where disease is endemic, strategies followed involve the use of synthetic drugs which have side effects, owing to which public support is not very promising in following the drug regimen required for the elimination of the disease. Filarial menace is further aggravated by the endosymbiont Wolbachia’s association with the filariid. This further necessitates the use of safe, non-toxic alternatives for the eradication of filarial menace. Since times immemorial plants have always been considered as safe bet as alternative sources. This review aims to bring forth the role of medicinal plants in combating filariasis and worldwide research findings in the usage of plants in the field of filariasis.