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Published on: June 26, 2018
Natural products as a source of new anticancer chemotypes
Francesco Melfi1, Simone Carradori1, Noemi Mencarelli1
1Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Introduction:
Exploring the chemical diversity and molecular mechanisms of natural products continues to be an important research area for identifying novel promising therapeutic approaches for fighting cancer. This is a complex disease and poses important challenges, which require not only targeted interventions to improve chemotherapy efficacy and tolerability, but also adjuvant strategies to counteract chemoresistance development and relapses.
Areas Covered:
After a brief description of the recent literature on the anticancer potential of natural compounds, we searched for patents following the PRISMA guidelines, filtering the results published from 2019 onwards. In addition, some relevant publications from the overall scientific literature were also discussed.
Expert Opinion:
This review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances on the anticancer mechanism of licensed natural compounds and their chemical optimization. Patentability of natural compounds was discussed according to the recent legislation in the U.S.A. and Europe.
Insights
Natural compounds offer promising cancer therapies. This review explores their anticancer mechanisms, chemical optimization, and patentability, focusing on recent advancements and legislation.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Cancer therapeutics
- Drug discovery
Background:
- Natural products are a vital source for novel cancer treatments.
- Cancer therapy faces challenges like chemoresistance and relapse.
- Targeted interventions and adjuvant strategies are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in natural compounds for cancer therapy.
- To analyze anticancer mechanisms and chemical optimization of natural products.
- To discuss the patentability of natural compounds in the US and Europe.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anticancer natural compounds.
- PRISMA-guided patent search (2019 onwards).
- Inclusion of relevant scientific publications.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive analysis of recent natural compound anticancer mechanisms.
- Discussion of chemical optimization strategies.
- Overview of patentability legislation for natural compounds.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds remain a promising area for cancer drug discovery.
- Understanding mechanisms and optimization is key for therapeutic development.
- Patentability considerations are important for commercialization.
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