African flora has the potential to fight multidrug resistance of cancer.

Victor Kuete,Thomas Efferth

doi:10.1155/2015/914813

Abstract

Background. Continuous efforts from scientists of diverse fields are necessary not only to better understand the mechanism by which multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells occur, but also to boost the discovery of new cytotoxic compounds to fight MDR phenotypes. Objectives. The present review reports on the contribution of African flora in the discovery of potential cytotoxic phytochemicals against MDR cancer cells. Methodology. Scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge were used to retrieve publications related to African plants, isolated compounds, and drug resistant cancer cells. The data were analyzed to highlight cytotoxicity and the modes of actions of extracts and compounds of the most prominent African plants. Also, thresholds and cutoff points for the cytotoxicity and modes of action of phytochemicals have been provided. Results. Most published data related to the antiproliferative potential of African medicinal plants were from Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, or Madagascar. The cytotoxicity of phenolic compounds isolated in African plants was generally much better documented than that of terpenoids and alkaloids. Conclusion. African flora represents an enormous resource for novel cytotoxic compounds. To unravel the full potential, efforts should be strengthened throughout the continent, to meet the challenge of a successful fight against MDR cancers.

Highlights

BackgroundContinuous efforts from scientists of diverse fields are necessary to better understand the mechanism by which multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells occur, and to boost the discovery of new cytotoxic compounds to fight MDR phenotypes
Cancer is increasingly recognized as a critical public health problem in Africa [1, 2]
The present review reports on the contribution of African flora in the discovery of potential cytotoxic phytochemicals against MDR cancer cells

Summary

Background

Continuous efforts from scientists of diverse fields are necessary to better understand the mechanism by which multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells occur, and to boost the discovery of new cytotoxic compounds to fight MDR phenotypes. The present review reports on the contribution of African flora in the discovery of potential cytotoxic phytochemicals against MDR cancer cells. Scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge were used to retrieve publications related to African plants, isolated compounds, and drug resistant cancer cells. The data were analyzed to highlight cytotoxicity and the modes of actions of extracts and compounds of the most prominent African plants. Most published data related to the antiproliferative potential of African medicinal plants were from Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, or Madagascar. To unravel the full potential, efforts should be strengthened throughout the continent, to meet the challenge of a successful fight against MDR cancers

Introduction

Cancer Concern in Africa

Cancer Cells and Drug Resistance

Biodiversity and Protected Area in Africa

Anticancer Activity of Plants and Derived Products

Antiproliferative Effects of African Plants towards MDR Cancer Cells

20 Figure 2

Findings

Conclusion