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Applications of natural products in the control of
mosquito-transmitted diseases
Jesse A. Hardin* and Fatimah L. C. Jackson
Institute of African American Research, University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
jahardin@email.unc.edu.
Tel:
+1-919-843-2605. Fax: +1-919-843-9407.
Accepted 21 December, 2009 |
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Mosquito-transmitted diseases remain one of the most
significant causes of mortality in the African continent,
despite successes in controlling these diseases in other
regions of the world. The disproportionate impact in areas
of poverty suggests a need for control that is efficient and
does not require complex technological control strategies.
Focusing on the vectors of disease, the mosquito, there are
many alternatives to synthetic, chemical pesticides that
await discovery and development. Although some natural
products have been described, there is still a need for
continuing research that incorporates endogenous knowledge
in the selection process for potential vector control
candidates. Recent experiments using natural products are
summarized. Ultimately, a paradigm shift in research that
evaluates natural products in a comparative manner will help
to produce new materials for effective and efficient control
of vectors and thereby achieve sustainable reduction of the
impacts from the diseases they carry.
Key words:
Mosquito, candidates, endogenous, diseases,
disproportionate. |
