Miscellaneous naturally derived anticancer agents

Abstract

Secondary metabolites of natural origin exhibit numerous pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Lipid peroxidation is observed to be prevented by terminating free radical chains and chelating redox active metal ions. These properties of the secondary products can also aid in preventing carcinoma. Many traditional and emerging plants are blessed with plenty of unexplored phytometabolites, which contain the probability to carry huge anti-neoplastic potential. Acetogenins are anticancer compounds that kill tumor cells through a variety and series of developmental methods. They are very powerful apoptosis inducers and can regulate the exclusion of chemotherapy medicines from cancer cells. Chalcone is a pharmacologically active molecule that can be found in both natural and manufactured products. Marine species, which are also examples of naturally derived drug sources such as algae, sponges, tunicates, and bryozoans have emerged as important components of choice for the separation of novel anticancer drugs obtained from marine sources. Bacteria of marine origin are the source of new drug discoveries and therapeutic targets, which are being explored to unprecedented heights and they have proven to be sources of various medicinal agents such as antibiotics etc. Numerous secondary metabolites have been isolated from marine fungi, that were active biologically and unique structural and also therapeutically beneficial. So far, almost 1000 secondary metabolites have been found, the majority of which are exclusive to lichens. This mini-review aims for the discussion of different aspects related to the natural derivatives obtained from various sources, which play a pivotal role as anti-neoplastic agents.