Unlocking the potential of 1,4-naphthoquinones: A comprehensive review of their anticancer properties

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer remains a global health challenge with existing treatments often lacking efficacy or safety.
• The development of novel anticancer therapeutics is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• 1,4-Naphthoquinone derivatives represent a promising scaffold for new drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compile recent studies on the antitumor activity of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives.
• To categorize natural and synthetic naphthoquinones based on structural modifications.
• To analyze the mechanisms of action for these anticancer compounds.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of studies published within the last 10 years.
• Classification of natural naphthoquinones exhibiting antitumor properties.
• Systematic categorization of synthetic naphthoquinones by structural variations.
• Inclusion of metal complexes utilizing naphthoquinones as ligands.

Main Results:

• Identification and compilation of numerous 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives with antitumor potential.
• Classification of 197 synthetic compounds based on their chemical structures.
• Detailed description of the mechanisms of action for various naphthoquinone derivatives.
• Consideration of natural naphthoquinones and their metal complexes.

Conclusions:

• 1,4-Naphthoquinones are a versatile scaffold for developing novel anticancer agents.
• Structural modifications of the 1,4-naphthoquinone core significantly influence antitumor activity.
• Further research into these compounds and their metal complexes holds promise for future cancer therapies.