Abstract
This study reviews the use of Apocynaceae species for cancer and tumor treatment in the Amazon. Databases and books were searched for ethnobotanical and phytochemical evaluations of the cytotoxic and anticancer activities of Apocynaceae species. The literature reports the use of several Amazonian species, such as Asclepias curassavica, Himatanthus articulates, and Macoubea sprucei, in treating tumors and cancers. Phytochemical studies on A. curassavica and H. articulatus have shown their chemical compositions to be variable, possessing cardenolides, iridoids, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenes. Most of the species have not been subjected to in vitro experiments for anticancer activity, and the evaluated species showed moderate-to-weak responses or were inactive. Other studies have shown that iridoids, flavonoids, and steroids are promising as antitumor treatments. The following action mechanisms have been attributed to iridoids: topoisomerase I-DNA complex stabilization, cellular cytoskeleton alteration, and induction of apoptosis. The activities of flavonoids have been reported to include apoptosis induction in liver tumor cells. Some authors suggest that flavonoids reduce oxidative stress cellular response which reduces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. In summary, Apocynaceae species appear to be promising as a source for antitumor agents; however, further studies are required to confirm their antitumor activities and to better elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.
Highlights
Tumors are tissues of very complex molecular characteristics
The species listed as having antitumor properties in the Amazon do not possess these compounds, they are composed of iridoids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, and glycosylated cardenolides, instead
The antitumor activity of alkaloids is widely studied, but there have been few studies on other compounds isolated from Apocynaceae species, and the mechanisms involved in their anticancer effects remain unclear
Summary
Tumors are tissues of very complex molecular characteristics. They have several cell types in their composition that participate in heterotypic interactions with one another enabling varied biological capabilities. There is the instability of the genome instability, which generates the genetic diversity that expedites their acquisition, and inflammation, which fosters multiple hallmark functions Another important fact added to characteristics related to the evolution of tumor cells was the reprogramming of energy metabolism and evading immune destruction (Hanahan & Weinbert). Research on anticancer agents from plants began in the 1950s with the discovery of the vinca alkaloids — vinblastine and vincristine (Cragg & Newman, 2005). These alkaloids were isolated from Catharanthus roseus (L) G.
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