Experimental antitumor agents from plants, 1974-76.

The published literature in the areas of antitumor agents and cocarcinogens, for the years 1974-6 is reviewed. Some of the chemical classes of compounds discussed include tthe sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes of the phorbol and simaroubolide types, triterpenes of the withanolide and cucurbitacin types, lignans, monomeric and dimeric indole alkaloids, isoquinoline alkaloids, Cephalotaxus alkaloids, camptothecin and the maytansinoids. Emphasis is placed on the isolation, synthesis, biosynthesis and biological activities of the most promising entities.