title: Damnacanthal: a promising compound as a medicinal anthraquinone.
abstract: The Noni fruit, or scientifically known as Morinda citrifolia can be found in various parts of the world, especially in the pacific region. It is a small evergreen bushy-like tree originated from the Rubiaceae family. The plant has been used by polynesians as a medicinal herb for more than 2000 years. A substantial amount of phytochemicals can be found in the roots of this plant. Among all, damnacanthal has been found to be the most interesting, versatile and potent compound. Damnacanthal or chemically known as,3- hydroxy-1-methoxyanthraquinone-2-caboxaldehyde (C16H10O5), appears as pale yellow crystals with a melting point of 210-211 °C. This compound is of particular interest due to its striking pharmacological properties. Damnacanthal was shown to inhibit the oncogene Ras, p56lck tyrosine kinase, NF-KB pathway and induce apoptosis in vitro. This review aims to discuss the biological properties of damnacanthal, specifically on its anti-cancer activity that has been reported.
authors.forename: Nadiah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abu
authors.forename: Norlaily Mohd
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Wan Yong
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Swee Keong
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Yeap
authors.forename: Muhammad Yusran Abdul
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Aziz
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia. noorjahan@biotech.upm.edu.my.
authors.forename: Noorjahan Banu
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Alitheen
mesh_terms: D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D032066:Morinda; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots
chemical_list: D000880:Anthraquinones; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C079170:damnacanthal