A common chemical characteristic of plant-derived anticancer compounds

For an efficient design of new drugs the understanding of the connection between the molecular structure of the compound and the mechanism of its biological action is essential. It is natural to expect that a common, still undiscovered, chemical feature might exist among anticancer drugs. An extensive search was undertaken in this book to identify common chemical features among 603 plant natural compounds proven to have anticancer activity. The chemical behavior of the functional groups they posses is discussed and a common functional feature is proposed. The book could be used by everybody interested on finding information on natural antineoplastic medicines. The reader can easily find in the digital literature the names of the plant species containing such useful natural products. Researchers interested on a comprehensive way of addressing the issue of cancer treatment would find the book particularly informative and stimulating.

Autorentext

Gounaris, Yannis. PhD on Plant Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences of Lancaster University, UK. Over 35 years of research experience in USA and Greece. Professor of Molecular Biology at the Department of Agriculture, Univesity of Thessaly, Greece.