Antitumor activity of monoterpenes found in essential oils.
Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is a major public health problem worldwide, accounting for about 7 million deaths each year. Many anticancer drugs currently used clinically have been isolated from plant species or are based on such substances. Accumulating data has revealed anticancer activity in plant-derived monoterpenes. In this review the antitumor activity of 37 monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. Chemical structures, experimental models, and mechanisms of action for bioactive substances are presented.
Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 58051-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil ; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Caixa Postal 5009, 58015-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
Marianna Vieira
MV
Sobral
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Caixa Postal 5009, 58015-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
Aline Lira
AL
Xavier
Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, 49100-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
Tamires Cardoso
TC
Lima
Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 58051-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil ; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Caixa Postal 5009, 58015-970 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil ; Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, 49100-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
Damião Pergentino
DP
de Sousa
D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D039821:Monoterpenes; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010936:Plant Extracts