Title:Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Natural Products in Oncology: Bridging the Gap between Promise and Clinical Reality
Volume: 23
Author(s): Priyanka Bajpai*, Phool Chandra and Om Prakash
Affiliation:
- Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Keywords:
Natural products, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, cancer therapy, bioavailability, prodrugs.
Abstract:
Introduction: Natural products have historically contributed to cancer therapeutics,
leading to agents like paclitaxel and vincristine. Recently, compounds such as
curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and berberine have gained attention due to their multitargeted
mechanisms and favorable safety profiles. However, their clinical application
remains limited owing to significant pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD)
challenges. This review aims to highlight these limitations and explore emerging strategies
to enhance their oncotherapeutic potential.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles
and clinical trial reports from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Key PK/PD limitations and advanced formulation approaches were identified and critically
analyzed.
Results: Major PK barriers include poor oral bioavailability, low solubility, rapid metabolism,
and short half-life. PD challenges involve multi-target effects, inconsistent dose-response
relationships, and a lack of validated biomarkers. Examples include curcumin’s
poor bioavailability and resveratrol’s rapid metabolism. Emerging strategies such as
nanotechnology-based delivery systems, prodrug development, structural modifications,
and co-administration with bioavailability enhancers, such as piperine, have shown promise.
Success stories such as Abraxane® (albumin-bound paclitaxel) and topotecan (a
camptothecin derivative) illustrate effective translational approaches.
Discussion: Overcoming PK/PD limitations is essential for translating natural compounds
into effective oncotherapeutics. Integrating nanomedicine, chemical modifications, and
bioenhancers improves pharmacological profiles.
Conclusion: Future directions should combine pharmacogenomics, nanotechnology, and
AI-driven drug discovery to enhance the clinical relevance of natural anticancer agents.
For example, AI-guided structural optimization of camptothecin analogs (e.g., topotecan)
and nanoparticle-based formulations such as Abraxane® demonstrate how computational
and translational innovations can successfully advance natural products into clinical oncology.
