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Research advances on anticancer activities of matrine and its derivatives: An updated overview

Haroon Ur Rashid1, Yiming Xu2, Yaseen Muhammad3

  • 1School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, 530004, Nanning, China; Department of Chemistry, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, 25000, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|October 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Matrine, an alkaloid from Sophora flavescens, shows potential as an anticancer agent by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Further research into matrine derivatives could yield more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading cause of mortality globally, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents.
  • Matrine, an alkaloid from Sophora flavescens, has demonstrated antineoplastic properties.
  • Existing anticancer drugs often exhibit significant toxicity, highlighting the need for safer alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current research on matrine and its derivatives as anticancer agents.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying matrine's anticancer activity.
  • To suggest future research directions for developing improved matrine-based therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on matrine and its derivatives.
  • Analysis of research on the molecular mechanisms of matrine's anticancer effects.
  • Identification of potential strategies for optimizing matrine-based drug development.

Main Results:

  • Matrine and its derivatives inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
  • Anticancer activity is mediated by the modulation of cancer-related gene expression.
  • Research indicates a potential for developing novel anticancer agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Matrine and its derivatives represent a promising class of natural compounds for cancer therapy.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms can guide the design of more potent and selective anticancer drugs.
  • Further investigation into matrine-based agents could lead to the development of next-generation cancer treatments with enhanced safety profiles.
Keywords:
AntitumorApoptosisCancerMatrineMechanism of actionProliferation

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