Anti-fungal activity of anthraquinone derivatives (Part 1)

Abstract

The problems of treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, due to the diversity of biological forms of pathogens, the constant emergence of multi-resistant forms, the emergence of new types of dangerous pathogens, determine the relevance of the problem of creating new antimicrobial agents. Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of fungal infections worldwide, as well as an increase in the resistance of some types of fungi to various antifungal drugs used in medical practice. The purpose of the review is to provide information on the current state of fungal diseases and the search for new antifungal structures among natural compounds, in particular anthraquinone derivatives. Objects. Derivatives of 9,10-anthraquinone: chrysophanol, emodin, physсion, rhein, aloe-emodin). Results. Currently, special attention has been paid to natural sources of antimicrobial agents, which can be considered as an alternative to traditionally used drugs. Nature is a valuable source of new compounds and a rich arsenal of biologically active metabolites for the search for new drugs. Chemistry of anthraquinone derivatives is an independent and extensive field of organic and bioorganic chemistry with a wide range of practical applications. Quite a large number of compounds of the anthraquinone series have been found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Many natural and synthetic derivatives of anthraquinones exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities, among which compounds with antitumor, cytostatic, anti-inflammatory, hormonal, antiviral, and other activities have been identified. The review analyzes the antifungal effects of various types of natural anthraquinone molecules (chrysophanol, emodin, physсion, rhein, aloe-emodin), as well as some structurally related derivatives, to assess the effect of structural parameters of molecules on their activity. Conclusion. Natural objects contain a variety of biologically active derivatives of 9,10-anthraquinone. They can be considered as promising structures for the search for new antifungal agents.