Science paper The anticancer properties of harmine and its derivatives

[Prima Materia]

"Abstract This review aims to provide information about the anticancer potential of harmine, a b-carboline alkaloid that was initially isolated in 1847 from the seeds and roots of Peganum harmala L. Various studies have revealed that it possesses a wide range of therapeutic qualities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and, most notably, anticancer effects. This review discusses the anticancer capabilities of harmine and its derivatives against malignancies such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer. Harmine uses mechanisms such as apoptosis and angiogenesis inhibition to fight cancer cells. It also influences the cell cycle by inhibiting specific cyclin-dependent kinases and slowing tumor cell proliferation. Synergistic effects have also been observed when harmine is used in combination with other anticancer medications. Harmine has the potential to be a potent anticancer medication that can help in the fight against cancer"
A. A. Timbilla R. Havelek M. Rezacova Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Simkova 870, 500 03 Hradec Kra´love´, Czech Republic R. Vrabec J. Chlebek L. Cahlikova (&) Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kra´love´, Czech Republic e-mail: cahlikova@faf.cuni.cz G. Blunden School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DT, UK

 

[Nydex]

That's pretty exciting stuff. Molecular engineering is such a fascinating science. If the chemical modifications at positions C2, C7, and N9, turn out to almost completely remove the neurotoxicity while preserving the cancer-killing properties, and also keeping the resulting molecule safe in-vivo (i.e. it can be safely metabolized and excreted by the body without causing liver/kidney damage), it might be an enormous breakthrough in oncology and might replace conventional cancer treatments like 5-fluorouracil.

In a day and age where cancer is more and more prevalent, taking an increasing number of lives every year, we need something like this. Harmalas ftw!

 

[Prima Materia]

That's pretty exciting stuff. Molecular engineering is such a fascinating science. If the chemical modifications at positions C2, C7, and N9, turn out to almost completely remove the neurotoxicity while preserving the cancer-killing properties, and also keeping the resulting molecule safe in-vivo (i.e. it can be safely metabolized and excreted by the body without causing liver/kidney damage), it might be an enormous breakthrough in oncology and might replace conventional cancer treatments like 5-fluorouracil.

In a day and age where cancer is more and more prevalent, taking an increasing number of lives every year, we need something like this. Harmalas ftw!

Pure Gold, Gold of Esfand

 

[The Sofa Traveler]

Pure Gold, Gold of Esfand

 

[Nydex]

Pure Gold, Gold of Esfand

Beyond the streamer, I don't know what Esfand is, nor what his gold is, can you explain a bit more

 

[blig-blug]

I don't know what Esfand is

A Persian name for Peganum harmala.