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Natural Products and Cancer

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 27475

Special Issue Editor

Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
Interests: IL-8; CXCR4; cytokine; cancer stromal interaction; chemokine; angiogenesis; chronic pancreatitis; pancreatic cancer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It has long been known that natural and dietary compounds offer protection and affect the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases. Recent research evidence suggests that many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are impacted by the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Several dietary compounds act as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against various forms of cancer. The recent scientific literature suggests that regular intake of food derived from natural products plays a critical role in the fight against cancer and other chronic diseases. Over the past few decades, several natural compounds suitable for this purpose have been discovered and are now being widely used as anticancer agents, including paclitaxel, vinblastine, camptothecin, and oleuropein. In this Special Issue, we would like to highlight the effects of natural products regarding anticancer activities and their underlying mechanisms in various in vitro or in vivo models.

This Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled “Natural Products and Cancer”, welcomes the submission of manuscripts, including either original research articles or reviews of the scientific literature that provide a better understanding of the effects of natural products on cancer prevention and treatment, including accounts of preclinical and clinical studies.

Dr. Yoichi Matsuo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural product
  • chemoprevention
  • anticancer effect
  • dietary compounds

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 180 KiB  
Editorial
Natural Products and Cancer
by Yoichi Matsuo
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5064; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245064 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 829
Abstract
Natural and dietary compounds are known to offer protection and affect the pathogeneses of numerous chronic diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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Research

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19 pages, 9906 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Antiproliferative Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest Potential of Saudi Sidr Honey against Colorectal Cancer
by Husam Qanash, Abdulrahman S. Bazaid, Naif K. Binsaleh, Mitesh Patel, Omar W. Althomali and Bodor Bin Sheeha
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3448; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153448 - 04 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1651
Abstract
A range of natural products have been extensively studied for their chemopreventive potential for cancer, including those that inhibit growth and induce apoptosis. Sidr honey derived from the Ziziphus or Lote tree (Ziziphus spina-christi, Ziziphus lotus, or Ziziphus jujuba) [...] Read more.
A range of natural products have been extensively studied for their chemopreventive potential for cancer, including those that inhibit growth and induce apoptosis. Sidr honey derived from the Ziziphus or Lote tree (Ziziphus spina-christi, Ziziphus lotus, or Ziziphus jujuba) is used in a wide range of traditional medicine practices. In the current study, the Saudi Sidr honey was analyzed by means of a GC–MS chromatogram and investigated for its antiproliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and lung cancer cells (A-549), as well as its apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest potentials against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116). The effects of Saudi Sidr honey on cells were determined using the MTT assay and the clonogenic assay. The induction of apoptosis was studied using Annexin V-FITC flow cytometry analysis. The propidium iodide staining method was used to detect cell cycle arrest via flow cytometry. By means of performing GS–MS and HR-LCMS analysis, 23 different chemical components were identified from Saudi Sidr honey. A dose–response analysis showed that Saudi Sidr honey was more effective against HCT-116 (IC50 = 61.89 ± 1.89 µg/mL) than against MCF-7 (IC50 = 78.79 ± 1.37 µg/mL) and A-549 (IC50 = 94.99 ± 1.44 µg/mL). The antiproliferation activity of Saudi Sidr honey has been found to be linked to the aggregation of cells during the G1 phase, an increase in early and late apoptosis, and necrotic cell death in HCT-116 cells. Considering these promising findings that highlight the potential use of Saudi Sidr honey as an antitumor agent, further research should be carried out with the aim of isolating, characterizing, and evaluating the bioactive compounds involved in Sidr honey’s antiproliferative activity to better understand the mechanism of their action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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16 pages, 4667 KiB  
Article
Mechanistic Action of Cell Cycle Arrest and Intrinsic Apoptosis via Inhibiting Akt/mTOR and Activation of p38-MAPK Signaling Pathways in Hep3B Liver Cancer Cells by Prunetrin—A Flavonoid with Therapeutic Potential
by Abuyaseer Abusaliya, Se Hyo Jeong, Pritam Bhagwan Bhosale, Hun Hwan Kim, Min Yeong Park, Eunhye Kim, Chung Kil Won, Kwang Il Park, Jeong Doo Heo, Hyun Wook Kim, Meejung Ahn, Je Kyung Seong and Gon Sup Kim
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3407; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153407 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1587
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. Drugs without side effects are desperately needed since chemotherapy has a negative effect on the host cells. Previous research has firmly established that plant-based compounds have significant bioactivities without a negative [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. Drugs without side effects are desperately needed since chemotherapy has a negative effect on the host cells. Previous research has firmly established that plant-based compounds have significant bioactivities without a negative impact on the host. Flavonoids, in particular, are a class of compounds with both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Prunetrin (PUR) is a glycosyloxyisoflavone (Prunetin 4′-O-glucoside) derived from Prunus sp., and its other form, called prunetin, showed optimistic results in an anti-cancerous study. Hence, we aimed to discover the anti-cancer ability of prunetrin in liver cancer Hep3B cells. Our cytotoxicity results showed that PUR can decrease cell viability. The colony formation assay confirms this strongly and correlates with cell cytotoxicity results. Prunetrin, in a dose-dependent manner, arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and decreased the expression of cyclin proteins such as Cyclin B1, CDK1/CDC2, and CDC25c. Prunetrin treatment also promoted the strong cleavage of two important apoptotic hallmark proteins called PARP and caspase-3. It also confirms that apoptosis occurs through the mitochondrial pathway through increased expression of cleaved caspase-9 and increased levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bak. Bak was significantly increased with the declining expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL. Next, it inhibits the mTOR/AKT signaling pathways, proving that prunetrin includes apoptosis and decreases cell viability by suppressing these pathways. Further, it was also observed that the activation of p38-MAPK was dose-dependent. Taken together, they provide evidence that prunetrin has an anti-cancerous ability in Hep3B liver cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle via p38 and inhibiting mTOR/AKT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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22 pages, 10815 KiB  
Article
Natural Flavonoids Quercetin and Kaempferol Targeting G2/M Cell Cycle-Related Genes and Synergize with Smac Mimetic LCL-161 to Induce Necroptosis in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells
by Thanpisit Lomphithak, Patthorn Jaikla, Apiwit Sae-Fung, Sasiprapa Sonkaew and Siriporn Jitkaew
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143090 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1513
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer associated with a very poor prognosis and low survival rates, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and low response rates to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify effective therapeutic strategies that can improve patient [...] Read more.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive cancer associated with a very poor prognosis and low survival rates, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and low response rates to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify effective therapeutic strategies that can improve patient outcomes. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, are naturally occurring compounds that have attracted significant attention for their potential in cancer therapy by targeting multiple genes. In this study, we employed network pharmacology and bioinformatic analysis to identify potential targets of quercetin and kaempferol. The results revealed that the target genes of these flavonoids were enriched in G2/M-related genes, and higher expression of G2/M signature genes was significantly associated with shorter survival in CCA patients. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using CCA cells demonstrated that quercetin or kaempferol induced cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Additionally, when combined with a Smac mimetic LCL-161, an IAP antagonist, quercetin or kaempferol synergistically induced RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis in CCA cells while sparing non-tumor cholangiocyte cells. These findings shed light on an innovative therapeutic combination of flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, with Smac mimetics, suggesting great promise as a necroptosis-based approach for treating CCA and potentially other types of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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13 pages, 4627 KiB  
Article
The Mixture of Natural Products SH003 Exerts Anti-Melanoma Effects through the Modulation of PD-L1 in B16F10 Cells
by Na-Ra Han, Hi-Joon Park, Seong-Gyu Ko and Phil-Dong Moon
Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122790 - 18 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1712
Abstract
Melanoma is the most invasive and lethal skin cancer. Recently, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway modulation has been applied to cancer therapy due to its remarkable clinical efficacy. SH003, a mixture of natural products derived from Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii, [...] Read more.
Melanoma is the most invasive and lethal skin cancer. Recently, PD-1/PD-L1 pathway modulation has been applied to cancer therapy due to its remarkable clinical efficacy. SH003, a mixture of natural products derived from Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica gigas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii, and formononetin (FMN), an active constituent of SH003, exhibit anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties. However, few studies have reported on the anti-melanoma activities of SH003 and FMN. This work aimed to elucidate the anti-melanoma effects of SH003 and FMN through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, using B16F10 cells and CTLL-2 cells. Results showed that SH003 and FMN reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity induced by α-MSH. Moreover, SH003 and FMN suppressed B16F10 growth and arrested cells at the G2/M phase. SH003 and FMN also led to cell apoptosis with increases in PARP and caspase-3 activation. The pro-apoptotic effects were further enhanced when combined with cisplatin. In addition, SH003 and FMN reversed the increased PD-L1 and STAT1 phosphorylation levels induced by cisplatin in the presence of IFN-γ. SH003 and FMN also enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells against B16F10 cells. Therefore, the mixture of natural products SH003 demonstrates therapeutic potential in cancer treatment by exerting anti-melanoma effects through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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24 pages, 4846 KiB  
Article
Improving the Antitumor Effect of Chemotherapy with Ocoxin as a Novel Adjuvant Agent to Treat Prostate Cancer
by Iera Hernandez-Unzueta, Aitor Benedicto, Uxue Telleria, Eduardo Sanz and Joana Márquez
Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112536 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Although many patients respond favorably to first-line treatments, castration—and chemotherapy—resistance arises after a few years, leading to metastasis. Thus, new approaches are being investigated using natural supplements to reinforce current therapies. Ocoxin [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Although many patients respond favorably to first-line treatments, castration—and chemotherapy—resistance arises after a few years, leading to metastasis. Thus, new approaches are being investigated using natural supplements to reinforce current therapies. Ocoxin is a plant-based mixture with antitumor properties that have been proved in several cancers. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxic capacity of this compound itself and combined with Docetaxel, Enzalutamide and Olaparib as an adjuvant agent. We observed that Ocoxin reduced tumor cell viability; slowed down cell cycles; altered the expression of genes involved in DNA replication, cell cycles and the p53 signaling pathway; and reduced migratory capacity after stimulation with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and osteoblasts in vitro and reduced tumor volume in vivo. The combination of the nutritional supplement with chemotherapy showed a higher cytotoxic effect than chemotherapy alone and reverted chemoresistance conferred by CAFs and osteoblasts. Moreover, the adjuvant therapy also improved the outcome in vivo compared to the treatment with solo chemotherapy, where mice developed smaller tumors and less angiogenesis. Therefore, Ocoxin arises as a good candidate for further studies in combination with current treatments for prostate-cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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13 pages, 15302 KiB  
Article
Novel Therapeutic Combination Targets the Growth of Letrozole-Resistant Breast Cancer through Decreased Cyclin B1
by Jankiben R. Patel, Bipika Banjara, Afia Ohemeng, A. Michael Davidson, Stephen M. Boué, Matthew E. Burow and Syreeta L. Tilghman
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071632 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1590
Abstract
As breast cancer cells transition from letrozole-sensitive to letrozole-resistant, they over-express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) while acquiring enhanced motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like characteristics that are attenuated and reversed by [...] Read more.
As breast cancer cells transition from letrozole-sensitive to letrozole-resistant, they over-express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) while acquiring enhanced motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like characteristics that are attenuated and reversed by glyceollin treatment, respectively. Interestingly, glyceollin inhibits the proliferation and tumor progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and estrogen-independent breast cancer cells; however, it is unlikely that a single phytochemical would effectively target aromatase-inhibitor (AI)-resistant metastatic breast cancer in the clinical setting. Since our previous report indicated that the combination of lapatinib and glyceollin induced apoptosis in hormone-dependent AI-resistant breast cancer cells, we hypothesized that combination therapy would also be beneficial for hormone independent letrozole-resistant breast cancer cells (LTLT-Ca) compared to AI-sensitive breast cancer cells (AC-1) by decreasing the expression of proteins associated with proliferation and cell cycle progression. While glyceollin + lapatinib treatment caused comparable inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration in both cell lines, combination treatment selectively induced S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest of the LTLT-Ca cells, which was mediated by decreased cyclin B1. This phenomenon may represent a unique opportunity to design novel combinatorial therapeutic approaches to target hormone-refractory breast tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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Review

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21 pages, 1722 KiB  
Review
An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers
by Pratibha Pandey, Fahad Khan, Minhaj Ahmad Khan, Rajnish Kumar and Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143111 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4010
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. [...] Read more.
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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32 pages, 3388 KiB  
Review
Selected Flavonols in Breast and Gynecological Cancer: A Systematic Review
by Dominika Wendlocha, Kamil Krzykawski, Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz and Robert Kubina
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2938; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132938 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1788
Abstract
The consumption of foods that are rich in phenolic compounds has chemopreventive effects on many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. A wide spectrum of their health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, has been demonstrated. This paper [...] Read more.
The consumption of foods that are rich in phenolic compounds has chemopreventive effects on many cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. A wide spectrum of their health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, has been demonstrated. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of the anticancer action of selected common flavonols, including kemferol, myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, galangin, isorhamnetin, and morin, in preclinical studies, with particular emphasis on in vitro studies in gynecological cancers and breast cancer. In the future, these compounds may find applications in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers and breast cancer, but this requires further, more advanced research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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18 pages, 4396 KiB  
Review
Natural Products for the Immunotherapy of Glioma
by Qi Huang, Xier Pan, Wenhao Zhu, Wen Zhao, Hongzhi Xu and Kaili Hu
Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122795 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Glioma immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention since the immune system plays a vital role in suppressing tumor growth. Immunotherapy strategies are already being tested in clinical trials, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy, and virus [...] Read more.
Glioma immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention since the immune system plays a vital role in suppressing tumor growth. Immunotherapy strategies are already being tested in clinical trials, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T cell) therapy, and virus therapy. However, the clinical application of these immunotherapies is limited due to their tremendous side effects and slight efficacy caused by glioma heterogeneity, antigen escape, and the presence of glioma immunosuppressive microenvironment (GIME). Natural products have emerged as a promising and safe strategy for glioma therapy since most of them possess excellent antitumor effects and immunoregulatory properties by reversing GIME. This review summarizes the status of current immunotherapy strategies for glioma, including their obstacles. Then we discuss the recent advancement of natural products for glioma immunotherapy. Additionally, perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of natural compounds for modulating the glioma microenvironment are also illustrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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18 pages, 2078 KiB  
Review
Molecular Mechanism of Tocotrienol-Mediated Anticancer Properties: A Systematic Review of the Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response
by Kok-Lun Pang, Chun-Wai Mai and Kok-Yong Chin
Nutrients 2023, 15(8), 1854; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15081854 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2025
Abstract
Background: Tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E, is well known for its anti-cancer and other biological activities. This systematic review aims to summarize the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and subsequent unfolded protein response (UPR) as the underlying molecular mechanisms for the [...] Read more.
Background: Tocotrienol, a type of vitamin E, is well known for its anti-cancer and other biological activities. This systematic review aims to summarize the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and subsequent unfolded protein response (UPR) as the underlying molecular mechanisms for the anticancer properties of tocotrienol. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed in March 2023 using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. In vitro, in vivo, and human studies were considered. Result: A total of 840 articles were retrieved during the initial search, and 11 articles that fit the selection criteria were included for qualitative analysis. The current mechanistic findings are based solely on in vitro studies. Tocotrienol induces cancer cell growth arrest, autophagy, and cell death primarily through apoptosis but also through paraptosis-like cell death. Tocotrienol-rich fractions, including α-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols, induce ERS, as evidenced by upregulation of UPR markers and/or ERS-related apoptosis markers. Early endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion release, increased ceramide level, proteasomal inhibition, and upregulation of microRNA-190b were suggested to be essential in modulating tocotrienol-mediated ERS/UPR transduction. Nevertheless, the upstream molecular mechanism of tocotrienol-induced ERS is largely unknown. Conclusion: ERS and UPR are essential in modulating tocotrienol-mediated anti-cancer effects. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the upstream molecular mechanism of tocotrienol-mediated ERS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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27 pages, 2294 KiB  
Review
Insight into the Biological Roles and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Different Types of Cancer: Targeting Cancer Therapeutics
by Taghreed A. Majrashi, Saad Ali Alshehri, Abdulrhman Alsayari, Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah, Mohammad Alrouji, Asma M. Alshahrani, Anas Shamsi and Akhtar Atiya
Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071704 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3267
Abstract
Cancer is a hard-to-treat disease with a high reoccurrence rate that affects health and lives globally. The condition has a high occurrence rate and is the second leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disorders. Increased research and more profound knowledge of the mechanisms [...] Read more.
Cancer is a hard-to-treat disease with a high reoccurrence rate that affects health and lives globally. The condition has a high occurrence rate and is the second leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disorders. Increased research and more profound knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to the disease’s onset and progression have led to drug discovery and development. Various drugs are on the market against cancer; however, the drugs face challenges of chemoresistance. The other major problem is the side effects of these drugs. Therefore, using complementary and additional medicines from natural sources is the best strategy to overcome these issues. The naturally occurring phytochemicals are a vast source of novel drugs against various ailments. The modes of action by which phytochemicals show their anti-cancer effects can be the induction of apoptosis, the onset of cell cycle arrest, kinase inhibition, and the blocking of carcinogens. This review aims to describe different phytochemicals, their classification, the role of phytochemicals as anti-cancer agents, the mode of action of phytochemicals, and their role in various types of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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25 pages, 4289 KiB  
Review
Anticancer Mechanism of Flavonoids on High-Grade Adult-Type Diffuse Gliomas
by Shu Chyi Wong, Muhamad Noor Alfarizal Kamarudin and Rakesh Naidu
Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040797 - 04 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2698
Abstract
High-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas are the most common and deadliest malignant adult tumors of the central nervous system. Despite the advancements in the multimodality treatment of high-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas, the five-year survival rates still remain poor. The biggest challenge in treating high-grade [...] Read more.
High-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas are the most common and deadliest malignant adult tumors of the central nervous system. Despite the advancements in the multimodality treatment of high-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas, the five-year survival rates still remain poor. The biggest challenge in treating high-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas is the intra-tumor heterogeneity feature of the glioma tumors. Introducing dietary flavonoids to the current high-grade adult-type diffuse glioma treatment strategies is crucial to overcome this challenge, as flavonoids can target several molecular targets. This review discusses the anticancer mechanism of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, chrysin, apigenin, naringenin, silibinin, EGCG, genistein, biochanin A and C3G) through targeting molecules associated with high-grade adult-type diffuse glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, migration, invasion, autophagy and DNA repair. In addition, the common molecules targeted by the flavonoids such as Bax, Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, caspase-8, caspase-3, p53, p38, Erk, JNK, p38, beclin-1 and LC3B were also discussed. Moreover, the clinical relevance of flavonoid molecular targets in high-grade adult-type diffuse gliomas is discussed with comparison to small molecules inhibitors: ralimetinib, AMG232, marimastat, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. Despite the positive pre-clinical results, further investigations in clinical studies are warranted to substantiate the efficacy and safety of the use of flavonoids on high-grade adult-type diffuse glioma patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Cancer)
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