THE ANTIPARASITIC POTENTIAL OF FLAVONOLS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Parasites pose a significant global health hazard, especially in countries endowed with tropical climates. Despite the availability of different types of antiparasitic drugs, their harmful side effects and limited treatment options highlight the urgent need for new therapeutic alternatives. Additionally, the development of resistance to existing medications complicates treatment efficacy. Consequently, researchers are focusing on compounds found in medicinal plants, particularly flavonols, due to their potential to effectively inhibit parasite growth. This review aims to establish an evidence-based foundation for developing novel flavonol-based antiparasitic drugs that can effectively combat parasites. Method: The review adhered to the methodological rigor outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Specific keywords related to flavonols and antiparasitic activity were used in a systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Science Direct. The methodological quality of the included papers was assessed using the QuADS criteria. Results: The systematic review included 44 studies after screening 1,629 papers based on eligibility criteria. The study compiles 43 compounds and several plant extracts containing flavonols, all of which have demonstrated antiparasitic properties. Conclusion: This review summarizes various flavonols with differing levels of potential to combat a wide range of protozoan parasites, along with their mechanisms of action. However, more in-depth and detailed research is still needed to fully explore the potentials of flavonols as future safe antiparasitic agents.

KEYWORDS: Flavonols, flavonols derivatives, parasites, antiparasitic effects