Planta Med 2024; 90(05): 368-379
DOI: 10.1055/a-2257-9194
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Reviews

Research Progress of Natural Product Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy

Xiaoxia Zhou
1   Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
,
Xufang Ying
2   Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
,
Linjie Wu
2   Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
,
Liqin Liu
1   Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
,
Ying Wang
1   Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
,
Ying He
1   Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou, China
,
2   Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
3   Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
4   Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
› Author Affiliations

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2022YFE0107800).
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Abstract

Photodynamic therapy is a noninvasive cancer treatment that utilizes photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species upon light exposure, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. Although photosensitizers have shown efficacy in clinical practice, they are associated with certain disadvantages, such as a certain degree of toxicity and limited availability. Recent studies have shown that natural product photosensitizers offer promising options due to their low toxicity and potential therapeutic effects. In this review, we provide a summary and evaluation of the current clinical photosensitizers that are commonly used and delve into the anticancer potential of natural product photosensitizers like psoralens, quinonoids, chlorophyll derivatives, curcumin, chrysophanol, doxorubicin, tetracyclines, Leguminosae extracts, and Lonicera japonica extract. The emphasis is on their phototoxicity, pharmacological benefits, and effectiveness against different types of diseases. Novel and more effective natural product photosensitizers for future clinical application are yet to be explored in further research. In conclusion, natural product photosensitizers have potential in photodynamic therapy and represent a promising area of research for cancer treatment.



Publication History

Received: 27 April 2023

Accepted after revision: 15 January 2024

Article published online:
29 February 2024

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