Recent development on naphthoquinone derivatives and their therapeutic applications as anticancer agents.

INTRODUCTION: A large number of natural products including several synthetic drugs possess naphthoquinone chromophore. Various methods have been devised for their synthesis. Several naphthoquinone derivatives have been found to possess diverse biological properties especially anticancer activity which has stimulated keen interest and research in this field. AREAS COVERED: The present review provides recent therapeutic patent literature (2000 - 2012) describing the applications of naphthoquinones and their derivatives on anticancer activities. Information from articles published in international peer-reviewed journals has been included to comprise a more exhaustive review. EXPERT OPINION: With the advent of stem cell research and molecular mechanism associated with cure of cancer, the use of classical and novel naphthoquinone structures have been more frequently noted in recent (2000 - 2012) patented agents for treatment of cancer.