Marine Anthraquinones: Pharmacological and Toxicological Issues |
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| Authors: | Giulia Greco Eleonora Turrini Elena Catanzaro Carmela Fimognari |
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| Institution: | Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Corso d’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy; (G.G.); (E.T.); (E.C.) |
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| Abstract: | The marine ecosystem, populated by a myriad of animals, plants, and microorganisms, is an inexhaustible reservoir of pharmacologically active molecules. Among the multiple secondary metabolites produced by marine sources, there are anthraquinones and their derivatives. Besides being mainly known to be produced by terrestrial species, even marine organisms and the uncountable kingdom of marine microorganisms biosynthesize anthraquinones. Anthraquinones possess many different biological activities, including a remarkable antitumor activity. However, due to their peculiar chemical structures, anthraquinones are often associated with toxicological issues, even relevant, such as genotoxicity and mutagenicity. The aim of this review is to critically describe the anticancer potential of anthraquinones derived from marine sources and their genotoxic and mutagenic potential. Marine-derived anthraquinones show a promising anticancer potential, although clinical studies are missing. Additionally, an in-depth investigation of their toxicological profile is needed before advocating anthraquinones as a therapeutic armamentarium in the oncological area. |
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| Keywords: | anthraquinones marine organisms fungi in vitro studies in vivo studies cytotoxicity anticancer mechanisms genotoxicity |
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