Exploring Cancer Therapeutics with Natural Products from African Medicinal Plants, Part II: Alkaloids, Terpenoids and Flavonoids

Title:Exploring Cancer Therapeutics with Natural Products from African Medicinal Plants, Part II: Alkaloids, Terpenoids and Flavonoids

Volume: 16 Issue: 1

Author(s): Justina N. Nwodo, Akachukwu Ibezim, Conrad V. Simoben and Fidele Ntie-Kang

Affiliation:

Keywords: African flora, cancer, medicinal plants, traditional medicine.

Abstract: Cancer stands as second most common cause of disease-related deaths in humans. Resistance of cancer to chemotherapy remains challenging to both scientists and physicians. Medicinal plants are known to contribute significantly to a large population of Africa, which is to a very large extent linked to folkloric claims which is part of their livelihood. In this review paper, the potential of naturally occurring anti-cancer agents from African flora has been explored, with suggested modes of action, where such data is available. Literature search revealed plant-derived compounds from African flora showing anti-cancer and/or cytotoxic activities, which have been tested in vitro and in vivo. This corresponds to 400 compounds (from mildly active to very active) covering various compound classes. However, in this part II, we only discussed the three major compound classes which are: flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids.

Cite this article as:

Nwodo N. Justina, Ibezim Akachukwu, Simoben V. Conrad and Ntie-Kang Fidele, Exploring Cancer Therapeutics with Natural Products from African Medicinal Plants, Part II: Alkaloids, Terpenoids and Flavonoids, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2016; 16 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520615666150520143827