Title:Aryltetralin-type Lignan of Podophyllum: A Comprehensive Review
Volume: 12
Issue: 5
Author(s): Dharmendra Kumar*, Mogana Rajagopal, Gabriel Akyirem Akowuah, Yong-Xin Lee, Chua Wei Chong , Pei Wen Gan and Jeou Chyi Liew
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Narayan Institute of Pharmacy,
Gopal Narayan Singh University, Jamuhar, Sasaram 821305, Bihar. India
Keywords:
Podophyllotoxin, anticancer agents, etoposide, teniposide, lignan, structure-activity relationship.
Abstract: Podophyllotoxin is a nonalkaloid toxin aryltetralin lactone lignan, occurring naturally
and extracted from the rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum species. Podophyllotoxin and its derivatives
have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, mainly antineoplastic
and antiviral properties. Podophyllotoxin serves as a potential anticancer agent and also the
precursor for the chemical synthesis of some clinically important anticancer agents. The chemical
modification and pharmacological investigation of podophyllotoxin derivatives have become a concern
nowadays. Research interest has been stimulated towards the innovation of podophyllotoxin
derivatives as the semi-synthetic anticancer agents, especially etoposide and teniposide. Podophyllotoxin
and its derivatives are available in several formulations and also found to be effective in
combination therapy. This review article aims to provide an overview of the role of podophyllotoxin,
its mechanism of action, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, available formulations,
and its effects in combination therapy. This article also reviews the biosynthesis, structure
and modifications of podophyllotoxin and its derivatives as an anticancer agent.