Cancer Chemotherapy via Natural Bioactive Compounds

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Global cancer mortality necessitates novel, safe, and effective anticancer drugs.
• Naturally-derived bioactive compounds are explored for reduced side effects compared to synthetic chemotherapy.
• Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review drugs isolated from natural sources and their role in epigenetic marker manipulation in cancer.
• To highlight plant-based bioactive compounds for cancer prevention and amelioration.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on anticancer phytomedicines and marine-derived compounds.
• Discussion of compounds developed through medicinal plant biotechnology and microbiology.
• Identification of key natural products used in modern pharmacopeia.

Main Results:

• The modern pharmacopeia includes numerous herbal remedies and anticancer drugs derived from natural sources.
• Marine-derived compounds (e.g., psammaplin, didemnin) show evaluated anticancer activity.
• Drug-induced epigenetic marker manipulation is crucial in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Developing anticancer drugs from natural sources is a feasible strategy to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy.
• Ethnomedicinal plants, foods, marine organisms, and microorganisms yield potent and safe anticancer therapeutic leads.
• Further interdisciplinary scientific contributions are essential for discovering novel anticancer drugs.