Translation of Natural Products into Clinically Effective Drugs: How Far We Have Gone

Data obtained from Human Genome Project has helped in transition of human diseases from a segmented view to a conceptual continuum. In accordance with this approach, identification of new gene targets has reinvigorated the field of natural product research and predominantly scientists are working to obtain these drugs through the use of high-throughput screening technologies and combinatorial chemistry. It is noteworthy that natural product templates combined with chemistry to selectively produce analogues will have higher chances of success. In this chapter we have attempted to summarize most recent advancements in clinical trials of natural products in different cancers. Keeping in view that structural variants contribute to the genomic landscape, multi-region whole-genome sequencing of hundreds of tumors will be helpful for a better understanding intra and inter-population genetic variability. Moreover, rapidly evolving field of nutrigenomics will play its part by tailoring the food or nutrition to the individual genotype. As we have developed deeper knowledge related to how wide ranging natural products modify cellular mechanisms, we may find that the continuum from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals through food-based biologically active phytochemicals will bring the disciplines of nutrigenomics and pharmacogenomics closer together.

Keywords: Apoptosis, Cancer, Metastasis, Phytochemicals, Signaling.