Molecular understanding and modern application of traditional medicines: triumphs and trials

Cell. 2007 Sep 7;130(5):769-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.08.021.

Abstract

Traditional medicines provide fertile ground for modern drug development, but first they must pass along a pathway of discovery, isolation, and mechanistic studies before eventual deployment in the clinic. Here, we highlight the challenges along this route, focusing on the compounds artemisinin, triptolide, celastrol, capsaicin, and curcumin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Artemisinins / pharmacology
  • Capsaicin / pharmacology
  • Curcumin / pharmacology
  • Diterpenes / pharmacology
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Epoxy Compounds / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Traditional*
  • Pentacyclic Triterpenes
  • Phenanthrenes / pharmacology
  • Plant Preparations / chemistry
  • Plant Preparations / pharmacology*
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology

Substances

  • Artemisinins
  • Diterpenes
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Pentacyclic Triterpenes
  • Phenanthrenes
  • Plant Preparations
  • Triterpenes
  • triptolide
  • artemisinin
  • Curcumin
  • celastrol
  • Capsaicin