Advances in Naturally and Synthetically Derived Bioactive Sesquiterpenes and Their Derivatives: Applications in Targeting Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

ABSTRACT: Sesquiterpenes are a diverse class of natural products that have garnered considerable interest for their potent bioactivity and structural variability. This review highlights advances in the derivatization of various sesquiterpene lactones, quinones, and alcohols, particularly in targeting cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The structural modifications discussed include the incorporation of triazole, arylidene, or thiol moieties with eudesmane, guaiane, and germacranolide-type sesquiterpenes, among others. In addition, the conjugation with chemotherapeutics, as well as the development of nanoscale therapeutics, is also discussed. Such modifications have expanded the pharmacological potential, enabling improved specificity, cytotoxicity profiles, and sensitization toward tumor cells. A

SUBMITTER: Cutter LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12609730 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature