Bioactive Compounds as Potential Agents for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management: A Review to Explore Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are produced by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, and may generate severe health problems such as cancer, ulcers, and even problems in the newborn. This narrative review aims to present updated information about the use of natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. A search of the literature was performed using databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct. From the pharmacotherapeutic management point of view, any strategies for prevention should contain medical approaches. The bioactive compounds obtained from natural products have shown biological effects against different microorganisms for the treatment of these diseases. The main results showed antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and antiviral effects such as HIV. Also, the molecular mechanisms, signalling pathways and action targets of natural compounds were highlighted, thus justifying bacterial and antifungal inhibition, apoptosis or reduction of viral replication. From the data of our study, we can conclude that natural compounds may be a significant source for adjuvant drugs / complementary therapies in the treatment of STDs. With all these benefits, the future must conduct extensive clinical trials and the development of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies for a greater therapeutic effect.

Targeting Ras-ERK cascade by bioactive natural products for potential treatment of cancer: an updated overview

“…The invention of the chemical structure aided the manufacturing of the essential compounds rather than separating them from natural sources [ 119 ]. This process was also less expensive and allowed for the use of the active element of the medicinal plant rather than the basic plant extraction [ 106 , 107 ]. Marketed medications like camptothecin, artemisinin, maytansine, lovastatin, penicillin, paclitaxel, silibinin and reserpine were either indirectly or directly developed from natural compounds [ 120 ].…”

Nutraceutical Profiling, Bioactive Composition, and Biological Applications of Lepidium sativum L.

“…Active compounds or secondary metabolites are produced in plants as a byproduct of various metabolic reactions; although they do not play a primary role in plant reactions, they are important in many plant defence mechanisms and are also known for their biological or therapeutic activities [ 24 – 26 ]. The most important class of secondary metabolites are phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and glycosides [ 27 – 29 ].…”

A Literature‐Based Update on Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.: Traditional Uses, Nutraceutical, and Phytopharmacological Profiles

“…Due to the excessive use of antibiotics that can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance of various strains of bacteria [ 63 – 65 ], attempts have been made to use natural antibiotic alternatives [ 66 , 67 ]. Most of these options include plants with antiviral and antibacterial properties that can be effective against gram-negative and gram-negative germs, which are often difficult to eradicate [ 68 , 69 ]. The methanolic whole plant extract (500 μ g/disc) was found to act against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio parahaemolyticus [ 70 ].…”