Cancer fight and the secondary metabolites from Annonaceae distributed in Mexico

Worldwide, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death; however, chemotherapy can cause toxic effects in affected individuals. Additionally, cancer cells can develop multidrug resistance, enabling them to evade treatment and control. Therefore, the search for new and more targeted compounds remains one of the most active areas in the fight against this disease. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have shown that members of the Annonaceae family contain some chemical compounds with cytotoxic and antitumor activity, including the proliferation inhibition at the multidrug resistance cancer cells. This review focuses on the knowledge of extracts and secondary metabolites from Annonaceae species distributed in Mexico and their potential as chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. It also delves into the molecular mechanisms and genes involved in the metabolic pathways that trigger apoptosis induced by these plant-derived compounds.