The Small Molecules of Plant Origin with Anti-Glioma Activity

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates.
• Current treatments like Temozolomide have limitations including cytotoxicity, limited efficacy, and severe side effects.
• There is a critical need for safer and more effective anti-glioma agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of plant-derived small molecules and their synthetic derivatives as anti-glioma agents.
• To summarize the anti-glioma effects of these compounds based on preclinical research.
• To serve as a reference for developing novel anti-glioma therapies for future clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific literature over the past decades.
• Identification and compilation of 51 small molecules of plant origin with anti-glioma activity.
• Inclusion of 7 synthetic derivatives of these plant-based compounds.

Main Results:

• The review identifies 51 natural small molecules and 7 synthetic derivatives with demonstrated anti-glioma potential.
• These compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms of action against glioma cells.
• The findings highlight the broad bioactivity spectrum of plant-derived compounds.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived compounds represent a promising source for developing novel, safer anti-glioma agents.
• Further preclinical research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of these molecules.
• These agents could offer a valuable alternative or adjunct to existing glioma treatments.