Juglone: Molecular Mechanisms, Pharmacological Actions, and Anticancer Therapeutic Promise

Although cancer is a burden on human civilization, there is yet no complete solution. Pharmacotherapy resistance and low therapeutic index are two of the main drawbacks of antitumor therapies. Natural goods are a great source of bioactive compounds. Exploring the natural environment can be helpful in finding novel treatment alternatives with advantageous pharmaco-toxicological characteristics. Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is a naturally occurring naphthoquinone that is found in walnut tree roots, leaves, nut hulls, bark, and wood. The bioactive compounds found in various portions of the plant are the primary reason why several studies link eating walnuts to positive benefits against a number of chronic illnesses, including cancer. Offering a thorough analysis of the antitumor potential of juglone and its scaffolds is the goal of this review.