Advances in the study of anti-HIV natural compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines

Anti-HIV drugs still remain as the dominant role in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), because no vaccine was found till today.  Owing to structural diversity, few side effects, and abundant resources, natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicines and medicinal plants have unique advantages and good potential in prevention and treatment of AIDS.  Many researchers have made great efforts in the field of anti-HIV natural compounds, and have found some natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicines with potent anti-HIV activities.  These compounds can be classified into the following categories: alkaloids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, and   polyphenols.  However, most of these researches are performed in vitro, and most natural compounds show weak anti-HIV activities and indefinite acting targets.  In the paper, we reviewed some natural compounds   derived from traditional Chinese medicines with potent anti-HIV activities in recent years.