From traditional Chinese medicine to rational cancer therapy

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Thomas Efferth
  • Paul C.H. Li
  • Venkata S. Badireenath Konkimalla
  • Bernd Kaina

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-361
Journal / PublicationTrends in Molecular Medicine
Volume13
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2007
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Many natural products and derivatives thereof belong to the standard repertoire of cancer chemotherapy. Examples are Vinca alkaloids, taxanes and camptothecins. In recent years, the potential of natural products from plants, notably from medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been recognized by the scientific community in the Western world. To provide an example of the most recent developments in this field, we have selected several compounds, namely artesunate, homoharringtonine, arsenic trioxide and cantharidin, that are found in natural TCM products and that have the potential for use in cancer therapy. Controlled clinical studies have shown that homoharringtonine and arsenic trioxide can exert profound activity against leukaemia. Increased knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of TCM-derived drugs and recent developments in their applications demonstrate that the combination of TCM with modern cutting-edge technologies provides an attractive strategy for the development of novel and improved cancer therapeutics. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Citation Format(s)

From traditional Chinese medicine to rational cancer therapy. / Efferth, Thomas; Li, Paul C.H.; Konkimalla, Venkata S. Badireenath et al.
In: Trends in Molecular Medicine, Vol. 13, No. 8, 08.2007, p. 353-361.

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review