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Pharmacological and Predicted Activities of Natural Azo Compounds

Summary

This research examines naturally occurring azo compounds – rare chemical substances found in fungi, plants, bacteria and marine life – and their potential use as medicines. These compounds show promising abilities to fight cancer, infections and other diseases. The study used computer modeling to predict additional medical uses for these substances that haven’t yet been tested. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new cancer treatments with fewer side effects – May provide new antibiotics to fight resistant bacterial infections – Could result in new antiviral medications for treating various viral diseases – Might yield new treatments for fungal infections – Could help develop more effective drugs derived from natural sources

Background

Natural azo compounds are diazene containing compounds with an azo moiety (-N=N-). These rare metabolites have been isolated from microorganisms, plant parts, fungi, fungal endophytes, lichenized ascomycetes and marine invertebrates. While relatively little is known about their biological activities, reported findings show promising therapeutic potential.

Objective

This review aims to describe research on natural azo compounds isolated from fungi, plants, bacteria and invertebrates, examining their structures, origins and biological activities. Additionally, the study uses computer modeling (PASS program) to predict potential new therapeutic applications of these compounds.

Results

More than 120 biologically active diazene containing alkaloids were found to demonstrate confirmed pharmacological activities, including antitumor, antimicrobial, and antibacterial effects. The PASS computer analysis predicted 58 types of biological activity with Pa > 70%, 199 with Pa > 50%, 463 with Pa > 30%, and 810 with Pa > Pi. Many compounds showed strong potential for new therapeutic applications beyond their known activities.

Conclusion

Natural azo metabolites, while rare, represent a promising group of compounds for drug development. Their demonstrated and predicted biological activities suggest strong potential for treating various diseases, particularly as anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral agents. The research highlights these compounds as important sources for drug discovery and development.
  • Published in:Natural Products and Bioprospecting,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1007/s13659-016-0117-3
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