To Explore Potential Natural Inhibitors of Cysteine Proteases to Combat Human African Trypanosomiasis and Chagas Disease

Abstract

Background: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases caused by Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively. These diseases present significant challenges in treatment due to the toxicity, low efficacy, and drug-resistant strains associated with current therapies. Introduction: Cysteine proteases play vital roles in the life cycles of these parasites, making them potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Natural inhibitors sourced from plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms show promise for developing novel therapies. Methods: This review surveys the potential of natural inhibitors as therapeutic agents against HAT and Chagas disease. It compiles PubMed and PubChem information from various studies to provide an overview of their activities and characteristics, including their ability to inhibit cysteine proteases, modulate the host immune response, and interfere with other parasite proteins. Results: Several natural inhibitors, such as berberine, curcumin, and tannins, have been identified and characterized. These inhibitors have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for HAT and Chagas disease. Conclusion: Natural inhibitors of cysteine proteases offer a promising avenue for developing novel therapies against HAT and Chagas disease. Further research is needed to identify additional natural inhibitors and optimize their efficacy and safety for human use. The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the discovery of effective, safe, and affordable treatments for these neglected tropical diseases.