Project

Anacardic acid – a novel template for cancer therapy

Traditional Indian medicine has always captivated Indian researchers and medical practitioners for its application in various pathological conditions. Natural products have been an invaluable repository for the discovery of novel drug candidates as a source of remedy for a number of ailments including cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Almost 60% of the approved anti-cancer drugs were known to be derived from natural sources. Plants and its products have been used as a source of medication either in the form of traditional preparations or as active principles in drugs. One such valuable source of natural product is Cajueiro or cashew (Anacardium occidentale). 
Preliminary studies in our lab have shown that Anacardic Acid, isolated from cashew nut shell liquid inhibits the activity of Gelatinases. The main aim of this project is to utilize specific Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies to design, synthesize and characterize various Anacardic Acid derivatives/analogs in order to develop specific lead molecules with enhanced anti-cancer activity.