ABSTRACT
Natural product chemistry investigates the natural source, the mechanisms by which the source biosynthetically creates the product, the processes by which the product can be extracted from the source, and the methods by which the product can be identified. Terpenoids are a class of chemicals found primarily in plants, though a few terpenoids have been isolated from other sources. Essential oils, which are volatile oils extracted from the sap and tissues of some plants and trees, are mostly composed of mono- and sesqui-terpenoids. Terpenes are a class of naturally occurring chemicals, most of which are found in plants, although a few have been derived from other sources. Cancer is the biggest cause of death worldwide. The cancer burden is measured by the incidence and mortality rates. Auraptene inhibits the cell cycle and induces apoptosis in SNU-1 human gastric cancer cells by disrupting mitochondrial membranes.
