Abstract
Inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) are important drugs for the treatment
of acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS). One approach to identify novel inhibitors
of HIV-1-RT is the screening of natural compounds. Many natural products have been
shown to be active as RT inhibitors. These compounds belong to a wide range of different
structural classes, e.g., coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, lignans, terpenes,
naphtho- and anthraquinones, and polysaccharides. The life forms from which the bioactive
compounds were isolated are as equally diverse and comprise terrestrial and marine
plants, micro-organisms, and marine animals. From the most extensive screening effort,
carried out by the NCI, calanolide A, isolated from the terrestrial plant Calophyllum lanigerum (Guttiferae), has been discovered as the most interesting natural RT inhibitor. The
promise of this natural product probably relates to a novel mechanism of action. The
current review describes natural products from various sources that are able to inhibit
HIV-RT.
Key words
HIV-1-reverse transcriptase - inhibition - natural products - plants - micro-organisms
- marine organisms
