Leveraging the cytotoxic attributes of Apocynaceae: current status and opportunities

Abstract

Plants of the Apocynaceae family have attracted more focus lately because of their capabilities as a source of cytotoxic lead compounds for cancer therapy. This review article presents a recent synthesis of the newest studies concerning the cell-damaging effects of plants in the Apocynaceae family, focusing on studies conducted between 2018 and 2023. The review covers the cytotoxic activity of various secondary metabolites isolated from different Apocynaceae plants, including Catharanthus roseus, Melodinus cochinchinensis, Ervatamia pandacaqui and Kopsia fruticosa, among others. The cytotoxicity of various compounds derived from Apocynaceae plants have been tested on various cancerous cell types, such as those from breast, colon, and liver cancers, employing laboratory techniques like the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) and SRB (sulforhodamine B) assays to assess their effects. Additionally, this review sheds the light on the mechanisms of cytotoxic action of the reported compounds, This includes triggering cell death and inhibition of cellular divison, the review also emphasizes the importance of continued research into the cytotoxic properties of Apocynaceae plants and their potential applications in anticancer drug development. A careful evaluation of the potential toxicity on healthy cells and possible interactions with other chemotherapeutic agents are recommended.