Potential applications of antofine and its synthetic derivatives in cancer therapy: structural and molecular insights

Cancer is a major global health challenge, being the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular disease. The growing economic burden and profound psychosocial impact on patients and their families make it urgent to find innovative and effective anticancer solutions. For this reason, interest in using natural compounds to develop new cancer treatments has grown. In this respect, antofine, an alkaloid class found in Apocynaceae, Lauraceae, and Moraceae family plants, exhibits promising biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Several molecular mechanisms have been identified underlying antofine anti-cancerous effects, including the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, epigenetic inhibition of protein synthesis, ribosomal targeting, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and cell cycle arrest. This study discusses the molecular structure, sources, photochemistry, and anticancer properties of antofine in relation to its structure–activity relationship and molecular targets. Then, examine in vitro and in vivo studies and analyze the mechanisms of action underpinning antofine efficacy against cancer cells. This review also discusses multidrug resistance in human cancer and the potential of antofine in this context. Safety and toxicity concerns are also addressed as well as current challenges in antofine research, including the need for clinical trials and bioavailability optimization. This review aims to provide comprehensive information for more effective natural compound-based cancer treatments.