The Double-Edge Sword of Natural Phenanthrenes in the Landscape of Tumorigenesis

Phenanthrenes, which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons comprising three benzene rings, exhibit a diverse range of functions. These compounds are utilized in the synthesis of resins, plant growth hormones, reducing dyes, tannins and other products. Notably, phenanthrenes possess significant pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, offering broad prospects for development, particularly in the fields of medicine and health. Interestingly, although aristolochic acid (AA) is a potent carcinogen, its lactam analogs can kill cancer cells and exhibit therapeutic effects against cancer. This provides a promising strategy for the toxicity-effect transformation of phenanthrenes. In this paper, we reviewed 137 articles to systematically review the anti-tumor potential and toxic effects of natural phenanthrenes isolated from the 19th century to the present, thus offering references and laying a foundation for their further research, development and utilization.