Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation of novel andrographolide derivatives bearing an α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety

Exploring the Anticancer Properties of 1,2,3-Triazole-Substituted Andrographolide Derivatives

Background/Objectives: The search for new anticancer agents from natural sources remains a key strategy in drug discovery. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate novel triazole derivatives of the diterpenic lactone andrographolide for their antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. Methods: Twenty-two new triazole derivatives (5-26), of the triacetyl derivative (2) of the diterpenic lactone andrographolide (1), were synthesized via the azide-alkyne "click reaction". The antiproliferative effects of compounds 1-26 were evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay against a panel of cancer cell lines and a non-tumorigenic colon cell line. A representative compound, triazole derivative 12, was further evaluated in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PANC-1) cells for its effects on the cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and drug synergy with 5-fluorouracil. Results: Several compounds, specifically, 9, 14, 16, and 17, bearing a phenyl moiety, exhibited improved antiproliferative activity compared to the parental compound 1. Derivative 12, selected for further investigation, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, this compound significantly reduced cell migration and demonstrated synergistic effects with 5-fluorouracil in PANC-1 cells. Conclusions: The synthesized andrographolide-based triazole derivatives, particularly compound 12, showed promising antiproliferative activity and mechanisms relevant to cancer therapy. These findings support their potential as lead compounds for further development in anticancer research.

The therapeutic potential of andrographolide in cancer treatment

Cancer poses a substantial global health challenge, necessitating the widespread use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite these efforts, issues like resistance development and severe side effects remain. As such, the search for more effective alternatives is critical. Andrographolide, a naturally occurring compound, has recently gained attention for its extensive biological activities. This review explores the role of andrographolide in cancer therapy, especially focusing on the molecular mechanisms that drive its anti-tumor properties. It also examines innovative methods to enhance andrographolide's bioavailability, thus boosting its effectiveness against cancer. Notably, andrographolide has potential for use in combination with various clinical drugs, and both preclinical and clinical studies provide strong evidence supporting its broader anticancer applications. Additionally, this paper proposes future research directions for andrographolide's anti-cancer effects and discusses the challenges in its clinical usage along with current research efforts to address these issues. In summary, this review underscores andrographolide's potential roles and contributes to the development of improved cancer treatment strategies.

Andrographolide and its derivatives: Current achievements and future perspectives

Natural product andrographolide isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata shows a plethora of biological activities, including anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, anti-virus, anti-fibrosis, anti-obesity, immunomodulatory and hypoglycemic activities. Based on extensive chemical structural modifications, a series of andrographolide derivatives with improved bioavailability and druggability has been developed. Moreover, greater understanding of their mechanisms of action at the molecular and cellular level has been thoroughly investigated. In this review, we give an outlook for the therapeutical potential of andrographolide and its derivatives in diverse diseases and highlighted the drug design, pharmacokinetic and mechanistic studies for the past ten years, together with a brief overview of the pharmacological effects. Notably, we focused to provide a critical enlightenment of the area of andrographolide and its derivatives with the intent of indicating the future perspectives, challenges and limitations. We believe that this review paper will benefit drug discovery where andrographolide was used as a template, shed light on the identification of drug targets for andrographolide and its analogs, as well as increase our knowledge for using them for therapeutic application, including the treatment for various forms of cancers.