Abstract

Human Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic disease which threatens one fifth of the world’s population. Since the last century, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) has almost been the sole antifilarial drug. Due to side effects and possible resistance of filarial parasite to DEC, a large numbe r of new molecular targets have been proposed as antifilarial drug candidates - as mandated by WHO,. The discovery of Wolbachia endobacteria in filarial species has provi ded a promising target in chemotherapy. Anti-rickettsial agents like tetracycline, dox ycycline, and ciprofloxacin have been shown to deplete Wolbachia from the worms. Apart from a direct antibiotic effect, these drugs may generate oxidative stress. This result, along with suppor ted evidence suggests that oxidative impact might provide a for midable prowess against the filarial parasite. Ho wever, owing to the reported antioxidant armament of this parasite, a more plausible apoptotic effect might be co ntemplated that may explain subtle link with oxidative rationale. Herbal medicines have stood the test of time for their safety, efficacy and cultural acceptability. With the possible development of pro-oxidant effects with anti-oxidants like flavonoids, it can be presumed that plants and materials that are rich in flavonoids might be exploited for and used as oxidative stress mediators against filarial parasites. Moreover, exploiting and e xtrapolating a possible relation of shikimate metabolism, a relatively new role of flavonoid as an apoptosis inducer through anti-folate rationale could be envisa ged. Experimental evidence in favour of such apoptotic mechanisms are to be considered for a unique anti-parasitic drug d esigning concept that has been put forward.