Anticancer therapeutic potential of genus Diospyros: From phytochemistry to clinical applications-A review

The genus Diospyros has gained significant attention in the scientific community owing to its diverse bioactivities ascribed to specific bioactive constituents present in different species of this plant. Phytochemicals like flavonoids, terpenoids, and xanthones have been reported to be present in other Diospyros species responsible for their pharmacological properties. These compounds are well known for their diverse potent therapeutic potentials, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This review enlightens the details of the Genus Diospyros, ranging from an overview of its species to an in-depth analysis of phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and their potential as anticancer agents. Different species, including Diospyros lotus, Diospyros kaki, Diospyros maritima, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Diospyros tricolor, presented with an enormous range of anticancer activities against human cancer cell cultures. Moreover, this review highlights the results of various in vitro (antiproliferative, cytotoxic effects against), in vivo (inhibition of tumor, apoptosis), and in silico (GLU234, GLU278, and LYS158 protein residues) studies, elucidating its preclinical anticancer potential. The anticancer potential displays inhibition of cellular proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and mitigation of angiogenesis. Furthermore, this review may elaborate the use of traditional knowledge, modern research, and potential therapeutic applications in the field of anticancer ethnopharmacology. As the modern-day research approaches novel alternatives to combat diseases like cancer, the Genus Diospyros may emerge as a promising avenue with the potential to yield innovative and effective therapeutic agents.