Chapters authored
Biological Role of Chalcones in Medicinal Chemistry
Chalcones are promising synthons and bioactive scaffolds of great medicinal interest due to their numerous pharmacological and biological activities. They are well recognized to possess antimicrobial, anticancer, antitubercular, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, and other significant biological activities. This chapter highlights recent updates and applications of chalcones as biologically, pharmacologically, and medicinally important entities.
Part of the book: Vector-Borne Diseases
A Review of South African Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Fungal Coinfections in COVID-19 Patients with Respiratory Diseases
Fungal infections are still most prevalent in the South African population. Fungal respiratory infections and diseases are the cause of severe clinical challenges and mortality in patients with compromised immune systems. Clinical signs of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) such as lung injury, hyperglycemia due to diabetes, host iron and zinc depletion, hypoxia, immunosuppression, steroid therapy, and long-term hospitalization predispose patients to opportunistic fungal infections. Fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Candida species, cause coinfections in patients infected with (COVID-19), and this has a negative impact on the patients’ pharmacological management goals. Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Candida species cause respiratory infections and illnesses including pneumonia, pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary candidiasis, and pulmonary cryptococcosis. South African traditional medicinal plants have been used in the treatment of respiratory symptoms and diseases caused by these fungal pathogens. Medicinal plants contain secondary metabolites possessing antifungal activity against Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Candida species. Moreover, medicinal plants are cheaper and easily accessible and are believed to be safe. This review documents the use of South African traditional medicinal plants including Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia afra, Dicoma anomala, Felicia species, Mentha species, Ruta graveolens, and Seasia erosa in the treatment of fungal infections and diseases caused by these pathogens.
Part of the book: Medicinal Plants