Plant Secondary Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: Successes in Clinical Trials and Therapeutic Application.

ABSTRACT: Cancer is a multistage process resulting in an uncontrolled and abrupt division of cells and is one of the leading causes of mortality. The cases reported and the predictions for the near future are unthinkable. Food and Drug Administration data showed that 40% of the approved molecules are natural compounds or inspired by them, from which, 74% are used in anticancer therapy. In fact, natural products are viewed as more biologically friendly, that is less toxic to normal cells. In this review, the most recent and successful cases of secondary metabolites, including alkaloid, diterpene, triterpene and polyphenolic type compounds, with great anticancer potential are discussed. Focusing on the ones that are in clinical trial development or already used in anticancer therapy, therefore success

SUBMITTER: Seca AML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5796209 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature