Anticancer potential of Diospyrin and its analogues: An updated review

Abstract

AbstractCancer, characterized as one of the leading causes of death owing to its heterogeneity and complexity, hence poses a significant challenge to health care system across the globe. Current therapies for cancer curtailment are considered to have associated side effects, therefore discovery of novel alternative approaches is need of the time. In this context, natural products have attained an essential spot in the scientific community for the development of novel cancer treatments. Among others, Diospyrin, a bis‐hydroxy‐naphthoquinonoid, is a vital bioactive component present in various Diospyros and Euclea species. The bioactivity associated with Diospyrin's makes it a promising “lead molecule” for new chemotherapy. In this review, biosynthesis of Diospyrin and its analogues along with their anticancer activities has been discussed. Moreover, this review briefly discusses probable modes of action of Diospyrin and its analogues by targeting the molecular signal transduction pathways. This review also highlights the toxicological and clinical implications of diospyrin and its derivatives. Further pharmacological and pharmacogenetic studies are required to better understand the anticancer potential of Diospyrin and its analogues at the molecular and genetic levels.