Benzophenones from African Plants to Fight Cancers and Cancer Drug Resistance

Abstract

In response to the cancer threat, several interventions have been sought including the
search for small molecules from natural sources that may arrest cancer at any of its different
cycle stages. Such molecules include the benzophenones from fungi or higher plants
(Clusiaceae and Guttiferae families). This book chapter will systematically cover the emerging
areas in the field of benzophenones and their polyprenylated benzophenone analogs
isolated from herbal medicines found in Africa with application in cancer treatment. Initially,
benzophenones have been introduced as chemical entities, then an overview of their
biosynthesis has been introduced, followed by phytochemical characterization from various
tissues in the plant kingdom, and lastly a comprehensive updated study on benzophenones
and their prenylated derivatives against various cancer cell lines has been provided