Abstract

Natural products have been a rich source of anticancer compounds. Several anticancer “lead” compounds have been isolated and identified from different natural sources. These lead compounds after proper chemical modifications and bioevaluations afforded potential drugs. In the present article the sources, chemistry and bioactivities of some promising natural anticancer compounds have been discussed. The structure-activity relationship of these natural products and the discovery of useful drugs derived from them have also been highlighted.

Keywords: Natural products, anticancer compounds, sources, bioactivities, mode of action, structure-activity relationship, commercial drugs, Podophyllotoxin, Viblastine, Vincristine, Campotothecin, Taxol, Discodermolide