Update and New Insights on Future Cancer Drug Candidates From Plant-Based Alkaloids

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer is a complex disease characterized by multidrug resistance, leading to treatment failure and tumor relapse.
• Conventional anticancer drugs often face limitations due to acquired resistance in cancer cells.
• Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, represent a vital source for discovering novel anticancer therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review plant-based alkaloids with reported anticancer activity from 2017-2020.
• To highlight alkaloids investigated in preclinical research and/or clinical trials for cancer treatment.
• To explore recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of plant-derived alkaloid prodrugs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications from 2017-2020.
• Inclusion of studies reporting on plant-derived alkaloids with anticancer potential.
• Focus on preclinical research and clinical trial data.
• Analysis of reported molecular mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Numerous plant alkaloids have demonstrated significant anticancer activity in recent studies.
• Several alkaloids are progressing through preclinical and clinical investigations.
• Emerging understanding of the molecular pathways targeted by these natural compounds.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived alkaloids are a promising source for developing new anticancer drugs to overcome multidrug resistance.
• Continued research into their efficacy and mechanisms is crucial for clinical translation.
• Alkaloids offer a valuable avenue for novel cancer therapy development.