Fangchinoline as a Dual-action Therapeutic Agent: Recent Advances in Cancer and Infectious Disease Research

Abstract:

Fangchinoline (FC) is a naturally occurring bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from medicinal plants of the Menispermaceae family that has attracted considerable attention owing to its diverse pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Recent studies have highlighted its potent anti-cancer and anti-infective activities, which are mediated through the regulation of multiple cellular and molecular targets. FC has demonstrated significant anticancer efficacy against a wide range of cancers, including colon adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, lung cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, conjunctival melanoma, gallbladder cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer, and gastric cancer. Its anticancer effects are primarily attributed to the modulation of key signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, NF-κB, and AMPK, as well as to the induction of ROS-mediated apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, and autophagy. Beyond anticancer activity, FC exhibits broad-spectrum anti-infective activity against viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Notably, it has demonstrated potent antiviral effects against influenza A viruses, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and several SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, FC exhibited enhanced antiviral efficacy when used in combination with remdesivir or clofazimine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of FC, with special emphasis on its anti-cancer and anti-infective potential. Overall, FC represents a structurally versatile and multifunctional lead compound with considerable promise for further therapeutic development.