Nanotherapeutics of phytoconstituents for parasitic diseases: a short review

Abstract

The treatment of parasitic diseases is multifaceted. The control methods require a complex interplay involving experts in public health, government policies, education, and medical sciences. Several strategies used in the treatment of parasitic diseases are considered and they are based on the availability, effectiveness, affordability, and acceptability of the used drug. Other measures include effective elimination of vector, and animal reservoirs. Interestingly, new strategies and approaches for the treatment of parasitic diseases involve nanomedical encapsulation of drugs and active compounds. Furthermore, genome, cells, and signal pathways targeting have been used for preventing and treating parasitic diseases. These approaches are used for diagnosis, and treatments of disease and to gain increased understanding of underlying disease mechanisms. Phytocompounds such as flavonoids and others are used in nanotherapeutics for treating parasitic diseases as they prevent oxidation of a liable substrate in a system, among other beneficial properties. Therefore, the present review highlights the use of several phytocompounds in nanotherapeutics to treat diseases caused by parasites.