A comprehensive overview of β-carbolines and its derivatives as anticancer agents

beta-Carboline alkaloids are a family of natural and synthetic products with structural diversity and outstanding antitumor activities. This review summarizes research developments of beta-carboline and its derivatives as anticancer agents, which focused on both natural and synthetic monomers as well as dimers. In addition, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of beta-carboline monomers and dimers are summarized and mechanism of action of beta-carboline and its derivatives are also presented. A few possible research directions, suggestions and clues for future work on the development of novel beta-carboline-based anticancer agents with improved expected activities and lesser toxicity are also provided. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Beta-carboline alkaloids are a family of natural and synthetic products known for their structural diversity and outstanding antitumor activities. This review summarizes the research progress on beta-carboline and its derivatives as anticancer agents, including structure-activity relationship analysis and mechanism of action, as well as suggestions for future research and development of novel anticancer agents based on beta-carboline.