Daphne-type diterpenes from genus Daphne and their anti-tumor activity

Daphne-type diterpenenoids is the major biologically active constituents in the genus Daphne. We find that there are about 101 Daphne-type diterpenes in this genus, most of these compounds show different degrees of inhibitory effect on various cancer cell. Some of them have been studied in depth and the potent molecular mechanisms might be associated with modulation of different cell-signaling pathways. In addition, some compounds of this type also can inhibit the synthesis of protein and DNA. Absolutely, the anti-tumor activity of Daphne-type diterpenes is worthy of attention. Unfortunately, most of the current research on the activity of these compounds is focused on simple drug efficacy, and its in-depth mechanism research is far from enough. On the other point of view, there still exists wide growing space on the depth of these compounds.