Medicinal Chemistry

25-Methoxyl-Dammarane-3�Ž�², 12�Ž�², 20-Triol, A Ginseng Saponin Derivative and an Anticancer Agent: In Vitro and In Vivo Activities, Molecular Mechanism of Action, Pharmacokinetics and Structural Modification

Abstract

Shao Wu, Meng Ding, Xude Wang, Wei Li and Yuqing Zhao

25-Methoxyl-dammarane-3β,12β,20-triol (25-OCH3-PPD), a dammarane-type triterpene sapogenin isolated from Panax notoginseng, has shown strong antitumor effects in various human cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and hepatic fibrosis. This review focuses on the progress of research into 25-OCH3-PPD and its derivatives in cancer therapy, including in vitro and in vivo activities, structure-activity relationships, and the molecular mechanisms of action. In addition, we also summarized a method to evaluate the oral subchronic toxicity, improve oral bioavailability, and establish quality control standards for 25-OCH3-PPD. In this review, we have provided a detailed discussion of 25-OCH3-PPD and supplied a scientific reference for the research and development of 25-OCH3-PPD as a potential anticancer drug.