An Overview of Natural and Synthetic Phthalides Involved in Cancer Studies: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Phthalides, mainly isolated from two genera: Ligusticum and Angelica of the Apiceae (syn Umbelliferae) family, are thought to be a potent natural compound with many therapeutic effects, such as antiplatelet, antitussive, antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunosuppressive activities. They also have antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Phthalides are responsible for the characteristic odor of celery. Since ancient times, phthalides containing plants have been used in Asia, Europe, and North America as traditional medicines and food flavoring agents. In this review, we have provided the data regarding the mechanisms of action related with phthalides on different cancer cells, their chemopreventive properties, and their possible therapeutic potential against various types of human cancer. Our attempt is to make a case for the use of phthalide and their derivatives as one of the plant‐based compounds in targeting metabolic treatment of cancer diseases.

Identification of two phthalide derivatives and an oxindole compound isolated from the edible mushroom <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> and their inhibitory activities against plant pathogenic microorganisms

“…Further investigation into the mode of action of these two phthalide derivatives could lead to identifying potential targets in the germination process, thus enhancing our understanding of their fungicidal properties. Phthalides are widely distributed in plants and fungi 41) and have been reported to offer significant biological activities, including antifungal, 42,43) antibacterial, 44) anti-inflammatory, 45) anticancer, 46) and cytotoxic activity. 47) Phthalide derivatives, such as 5-(3′-carboxyl-3′-methyl-2E-allyloxy)-3-methoxy-4-methylphthalide, 5-(3′,3′-dimethylallyloxy)-3-methoxy-4-methylphthalide, 5-(3′,3′-dimethylallyloxy)-3-methoxy-4-methylphthalide, zinniol anhydride, and porriolide isolated from the fungus Pestalotiopsis photiniae, have shown antifungal activities against F. graminearum, B. cinerea, and Phytoptora nicotianae.…”

Palladium-catalyzed C(sp3)-C(sp2) coupling: synthesis of C(3)-arylphthalides

“…The phthalide (the C(3)-substituted 3H-isobenzofuran-1-one and reduced product of phthalic anhydride; highlighted in 1, Figure 1) structure is a medicinally privileged scaffold (Sadikogullari et al 2022;Sharma et al 2010). Molecules built on this scaffold display a wide range of pharmacological activities.…”

A convenient and efficient synthesis of 3-benzofuryl-substituted phthalides

“…The privileged heterocyclic phthalide scaffolds are widely available in natural products and pharmaceuticals. [1][2][3] Among various phthalides, 3-substituted phthalides have been proven to possess various biological activities. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Representative examples include n-butylphthalide, which has been approved as an anti-ischemic stroke drug in China.…”

“…[1][2][3] Among various phthalides, 3-substituted phthalides have been proven to possess various biological activities. 2,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Representative examples include n-butylphthalide, which has been approved as an anti-ischemic stroke drug in China. 6 (±)-Catalpalactone exhibits specific cytotoxic and antisemitic activities.…”