Naturally Occurring Plectranthus-derived Diterpenes with Antitumoral Activities

The study of natural sources such as plants, microorganisms and marine organisms has developed interest among the scientific community in recent years for their extensive and diverse chemical composition and consequent biological potential. The search for antitumor compounds is among the lead causes that justify phytochemical studies. Although some natural products have served as FDA approved chemotherapeutic agents, there is still a demand for the search of compounds with those characteristics. The Plectranthus genus has long been used in traditional medicine, and scientific studies have already proven its undeniable value as a source of bioactive compounds. Diterpenes are the most prominent biologically active group of secondary metabolites present in this genus. In particular, abietane diterpenes have long been studied for their biological activities, namely their anti-tumoral potential. In this review, abietane diterpenes isolated from Plectranthus genus with antiproliferative, antitumoral or cytotoxic potential are reported. In addition, a correlation between this subclass of diterpenes with their mechanisms of cell death has been discussed.