Bioactive Compounds From Saudi Arabian Fungi: A Systematic Review of Anticancer Potential

Abstract

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Fungi are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, some of which exhibit potent anticancer properties. This scoping review evaluates the current research on fungal metabolites with anticancer potential, focusing on species native to Saudi Arabia's unique ecosystem. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Out of approximately 14,000 records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (2000-2024). A total of 16 distinct fungal species were identified, with their metabolites tested against various human cancer cell lines. Compounds derived from Penicillium sp. RO-11, Fusarium venenatum, Chaetomium globosum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, and Aspergillus sydowii demonstrated notable cytotoxic effects. Reported IC₅₀ values ranged from as low as 0.2 µg/mL to over 600 µg/mL, indicating varying levels of potency. Penicillium sp. RO-11 (emodin, IC₅₀ = 2 ± 7.6 µM) and Fusarium venenatum (IC₅₀ = 0.3779 µg/mL against HCT8 cells) emerged as the most potent candidates. These metabolites exerted their effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, and disrupting oncogenic signaling pathways. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of fungal-derived compounds and highlight the importance of further research to isolate and characterize the most effective strains for biomedical applications. Expanding investigations into Saudi Arabia's fungal diversity may yield promising candidates for future cancer treatments.

Keywords: Saudi Arabian fungi; anticancer agents; cytotoxicity; fungal metabolites; marine fungi; terrestrial fungi.

Figure 1

A flow diagram illustrating the study selection process conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Figure 2

Map of Saudi Arabia showing the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. (Downloaded from Google map location: 28°12’42”N 32°57’37”E).

Figure 3

Chemical structures of secondary metabolites identified in Aspergillus sydowii.

Figure 4

Heatmap of IC₅₀ values for the fungal metabolites tested against various cancer cell lines. Lower IC₅₀ values (darker green) indicate higher anticancer potency while higher IC50 (red) indicate weak anticancer potency.