The Current Scenario of Nature-Derived Cyclopeptides with Anticancer Potential (A Review)

Nature-derived cyclopeptides, a large group of secondary metabolites, are ubiquitously present in nature. Compared to the linear counterparts, cyclopeptides possess structural rigidity, biochemical stability, binding affinity and membrane permeability. Mechanistically, nature-derived cyclopeptides could interfere with various signaling pathways to induce cancer cell death and demonstrated potential in vitro and in vivo efficacy against various cancers including multidrug-resistant forms. Hence, nature-derived cyclopeptides are propitious lead compounds/candidates for developing novel anticancer therapeutic agents. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive summary of the sources, structural diversity, anticancer potential, and mechanisms of action of nature-derived cyclopeptides, covering articles published from 2018 to present.