Monocarbonyl synthetic curcumin analogues with antitumour potential. Chemical and biological aspects

The antitumour activity of curcumin has been studied in detail, but this natural compound has not found application in oncology due to its unacceptable pharmacological properties. Currently, monocarbonyl analogues of curcumin, particularly C5-curcuminoids, are considered the most promising for cancer therapy due to their satisfactory pharmacokinetic profile. This review provides a critical analysis of recent literature on the synthesis of monocarbonyl analogues of curcumin and the study of their antitumour activity. Unlike previously published reviews, it examines not only the synthesis methods and chemical properties of these compounds but also the mechanisms of their biological action. The key molecular targets that promote angiogenesis, proliferation, and growth of malignant tumours and regulate glycolysis in neoplastic cells are discussed. The information provided in this review may be of interest to specialists in organic and medicinal chemistry, as well as biochemistry and pharmacology. The bibliography includes 168 references.