Cytostatic plant alkaloids

Chemotherapy was first used for the treatment of advanced lymphomas in the 1940s [1], Since then several classes of chemotherapeutic compounds such as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anthracyclines, plant alkaloids, and later topoisomerase inhibitors and taxanes have been identified or synthesized to treat various forms of cancer [2, 3], Although numerous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in inducing cancer cell death (cytotoxic) or cell growth arrest (cytostatic), these promising anticancer activities seen in the controlled environment of the laboratory frequently do not translate well into the expected clinical outcomes [4-8]. 

E. Colchicine Alkaloids.—A summary of the chemistry and photochemistry of colchicine has appeared as part of an advanced introductory text on alkaloids.176 A survey of plant drugs with cytostatic activity includes a discussion on colchicine.177... 

Woody nightshade. Solarium dulcamara, has been used from the time of Galen (c. AD 180) for the treatment of cancers. Recent studies on the plant have shown that the steroidal alkaloid glycoside -solamarine is active against S 180 [344] however, its low therapeutic index precludes it from further pharmacological study. A number of steroidal alkaloid glycosides have been reported to have cytostatic activity [345], and solananine to be a mitotic poison [346]. 

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