Synthesis of Psidium meroterpenoids with anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities.

Liver cancer presents as a significant human disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma appears as the most common form of liver cancer. Several therapeutic agents, such as sorafenib, are currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer. However, the development of potent and effective pharmaceuticals is undoubtedly crucial to managing the status of liver cancer and improving the quality of life of patients. Psidium meroterpenoids are natural products isolated from the leaves of Psidium guajava L., exhibiting potent cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Being synthetically accessible, Psidium meroterpenoids show tremendous potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. This perspective outlines the biological profile, biosynthetic pathway, and chemical synthesis of Psidium meroterpenoids, as well as future directions and opportunities.