The growing incidence of parasitic resistance against generic pentavalent antimonials, specifically for visceral
disease in Indian subcontinent, is a serious issue in Leishmania control. Notwithstanding the two
treatment alternatives, that is amphotericin B and miltefosine are being effectively used but their high
cost and therapeutic complications limit their use in endemic areas. In the absence of a vaccine candidate,
identification, and characterization of novel drugs and targets is a major requirement of leishmanial
research. This review describes current drug regimens, putative drug targets, numerous natural products
that have shown promising antileishmanial activity alongwith some key issues and strategies for future
research to control leishmaniasis worldwide.