title: Apocynaceae species with antiproliferative and/or antiplasmodial properties: a review of ten genera.
abstract: Apocynaceae is a large family of tropical trees, shrubs and vines with most species producing white latex. Major metabolites of species are triterpenoids, iridoids, alkaloids and cardenolides, which are known for a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities such as cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimalarial properties. Prompted by their anticancer and antimalarial properties, the current knowledge on ten genera (Allamanda, Alstonia, Calotropis, Catharanthus, Cerbera, Dyera, Kopsia, Nerium, Plumeria and Vallaris) is updated. Major classes of metabolites are described using some species as examples. Species with antiproliferative (APF) and/or antiplasmodial (APM) properties have been identified. With the exception of the genus Dyera, nine genera of 22 species possess APF activity. Seven genera (Alstonia, Calotropis, Catharanthus, Dyera, Kopsia, Plumeria and Vallaris) of 13 species have APM properties. Among these species, Alstonia angustiloba, Alstonia macrophylla, Calotropis gigantea, Calotropis procera, Catharanthus roseus, Plumeria alba and Vallaris glabra displayed both APF and APM properties. The chemical constituents of these seven species are compiled for assessment and further research.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Eric Wei Chiang
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: School of Science, Monash University Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Siu Kuin
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems, c/o Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0129, Japan.
authors.forename: Hung Tuck
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000032:analysis; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D029062:Apocynaceae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification; D002298:Cardenolides / Q000032:analysis; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D000962:Antimalarials; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D002298:Cardenolides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014315:Triterpenes