Plants as a source of anti-cancer and anti-HIV agents |
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| Authors: | G M CRAGG D J NEWMAN |
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| Affiliation: | Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, P O Box B, Frederick, Maryland 21702–1201, USA |
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| Abstract: | Plant‐derived compounds have played an important role in the development of several clinically useful anti‐cancer agents. These include vinblastine, vincristine, the camptothecin derivatives, topotecan and irinotecan, etoposide, and paclitaxel (Taxol®). Several promising new agents are in clinical development based on selective activity against cancer‐related molecular targets, including flavopiridol and Combretastatin A4 phosphate. Recently, plants have yielded several agents showing anti‐AIDS activity, and one of these, (+)‐calanolide A, is in clinical development. |
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| Keywords: | AIDS cancer drugs HIV plant products |
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