ABSTRACT:
Medicinal plants are the rich source of harmless medicines, and used for the treatment of various diseases for thousands of years. They can provide biologically active molecules and lead structures for development of modified derivatives with enhanced activity or reduced activity. The isolation and identification of active principles and elucidation of the mechanism of action of a drug is of paramount importance. Hence, works in both mixture of traditional medicine and single active compounds are very important. One such compound is metallochlorophyllin, a water soluble analogue of the ubiquitous green pigment chlorophyll. Metallochlorophyllin can neutralize several physically relevant oxidants and may decrease oxidative damage induced by chemical carcinogens and radiation. It also acts as an effective inhibitor of aflatoxin hepatocarcinogenesis in animal models by blocking carcinogen bioavailability. Further anti-cancer effects of metallochlorophyllin including antioxidant activity, inhibition of enzymatic activity that converts inert procarcinogens into active carcinogens; stimulation of enzymatic activity that promotes the elimination of toxic substances from the body; protection from radiation; and antitumor activity have likewise been evidenced by controlled studies. The metallochlorophyllins are compounds worthy of further study, with the potential to provide great benefit to human health.