Historical story on natural medicinal chemistry: Avermectin and ivermectin / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms have provided abundant sources of natural products, which have been developed as commercial products for human medicine, animal health, and plant crop protection. Avermectin discovered from Streptomyces avermectinius was the first macrocyclic lactones against parasitic worms. The semi-synthetic derivative of avermectin, ivermectin, was used to treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in human. Two scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize for the great contribution to the discovery and research of these drugs. This paper reviewed the study and development of avermectins and ivermectin. This is one of the series papers about historical story on natural medicinal chemistry.