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Anticancer Metal Complexes: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation by the MTT Assay
Published on: November 10, 2013
Phytochemicals and Biogenic Metallic Nanoparticles as Anticancer Agents
Pasupuleti Visweswara Rao1, Devi Nallappan1, Kondeti Madhavi2
1Biotechnology Program, Faculty of Agro-Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Campus Jeli, 17600 Jeli, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Several classes of drugs are available to treat different types of cancer. Currently, researchers are paying significant attention to the development of drugs at the nanoscale level to increase their target specificity and to reduce their concentrations. Nanotechnology is a promising and growing field with multiple subdisciplines, such as nanostructures, nanomaterials, and nanoparticles. These materials have gained prominence in science due to their size, shape, and potential efficacy. Nanomedicine is an important field involving the use of various types of nanoparticles to treat cancer and cancerous cells. Synthesis of nanoparticles targeting biological pathways has become tremendously prominent due to the higher efficacy and fewer side effects of nanodrugs compared to other commercial cancer drugs. In this review, different medicinal plants and their active compounds, as well as green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles from medicinal plants, are discussed in relation to their anticancer activities.
Insights
This review explores the use of medicinal plants and green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles for cancer treatment. These nanodrugs show promise for increased efficacy and reduced side effects in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, with existing treatments having limitations.
- Nanotechnology offers novel approaches to cancer therapy, focusing on enhanced specificity and reduced drug concentrations.
- Nanomedicine utilizes nanoparticles for targeted delivery to cancer cells, aiming for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer activities of medicinal plants and their active compounds.
- To discuss green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles derived from medicinal plants.
- To highlight the potential of nanodrugs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of medicinal plants with anticancer properties.
- Analysis of active compounds isolated from these plants.
- Examination of green synthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts.
- Evaluation of the anticancer efficacy of these nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Medicinal plants and their compounds exhibit significant anticancer potential.
- Green synthesis provides an effective route to produce metallic nanoparticles with anticancer activity.
- Nanoparticles demonstrate higher efficacy and fewer side effects compared to conventional cancer drugs.
Conclusions:
- Medicinal plants are a valuable source for developing novel anticancer agents.
- Green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles represent a promising frontier in nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
- Further research into nanodrugs derived from natural sources could revolutionize cancer treatment.
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