Pharmacognosy - 5.9 Antitumor
Anti-tumor Drugs
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
How to Access the Quiz for This Chapter
Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 5.9 Anti-tumor.
Anti-tumor drugs, also known as anti-cancer drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, or antineoplastic drugs, are medications used to treat cancer. Cancer is a disease in which cells grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade and damage surrounding tissues. Anti-tumor drugs work by targeting and destroying cancer cells, either by killing them directly or by preventing them from multiplying.
Vinca
Synonyms
Vinca rosea, Catharanthus, Madagascar Periwinkle, Barmasi (बरमासी)
Regional Names
Hindi: Sadabahar (सदाबहार)
Marathi: Sadafuli (सदाफुली)
Biological Source
Derived from the dried entire plant of Catharanthus roseus (कॅथरँथस रोसियस). Native to Madagascar, but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions (India).
Family
Apocynaceae (अपोसायनेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Alkaloids - Present in all parts of the plant, with higher conc. in leaves and roots.
- Vinblastine (व्हिनब्लास्टिन) - Antitumor alkaloid used in Hodgkin\'s disease treatment.
- Vincristine (व्हिनक्रिस्टिन) - Cytotoxic compound used for leukemia treatment.
- Ajmalicine (अज्मालिसिन) - Used for treating hypertension and circulatory disorders.
- Serpentine (सर्पेन्टिन) - Has hypotensive properties.
- Tetrahydroalstonine (टेट्राहायड्रो-अल्स्टोनिन) - Shows potential in blood sugar regulation.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins, Sugars
Uses
- Vinblastine: Used to treat Hodgkin\'s lymphoma and other cancers.
- Vincristine: Used to treat leukemia in children.
- Astringent and tonic in menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) and general hemorrhages.
- Used in diabetes management due to hypoglycemic effects.
- Fresh periwinkle flowers act as a gentle laxative for children.
PODOPHYLLUM
Synonyms
Podophyllum, American Mandrake, May-apple root
Biological Source
Derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum (पोदोफाय्लम पेल्टॅटम). Native to North America and the Himalayas.
Family
Berberidaceae (बर्बेरिडेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Lignans (लिग्नॅन्स) – Present as glycosides and free aglycones:
- Podophyllotoxin (पोदोफायलोटॉक्सिन) – The most significant active compound.
- a-Peltatin (अल्फा-पेल्टाटिन)
- ß-Peltatin (बीटा-पेल्टाटिन)
- Desmethylpodophyllotoxin (डेसमिथिल पोदोफायलोटॉक्सिन)
- Desoxypodophyllotoxin (डेसॉक्सीपोदोफायलोटॉक्सिन)
- Podophyllotoxone (पोदोफायलोटॉक्सोन)
Minor Chemical Constituents
Starch
Uses
- Anticancer Agent: potent chemotherapeutic agent for lung and testicular cancer.
- Cytotoxic Activity: Podophyllum resin exhibits strong cytotoxic effects (used topically for warts).
- Purgative: Previously used as a strong purgative but largely replaced by safer alternatives.
- Gastrointestinal Irritant: Causes irritation when consumed in excess.