Biochemical basis of cancer chemoprevention and/or chemotherapy with ginsenosides (Review)

Abstract

Cancer still imposes a global threat to public health. After decades of research on cancer biology and enormous efforts in developing anticancer therapies, we now understand that the majority of cancers can be prevented. Bioactive phytochemicals present in edible plants have been shown to reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), which contains a wide variety of saponins, known as ginsenosides, is an age-old remedy for human ailments, including cancer. Numerous laboratory-based studies have revealed the anticancer properties of ginsenosides, which compel tumor cells to commit suicide, arrest the proliferation of cancer cells in culture and inhibit experimentally-induced tumor formation in laboratory animals. Ginsenosides have been reported to inhibit tumor angiogenesis, as well as the invasion and metastasis of various types of cancer cells. Moreover, ginsenosides as combination therapy enhance the sensitivity of chemoresistant tumors to clinically used chemotherapeutic agents. This review sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the cancer chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic activity of ginsenosides and their intestinal metabolites with particular focus on the modulation of cell signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and the metastasis of cancer cells.

Ginsenoside Rh2 and Rg3 inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in human leukemia Jurkat cells

“…To increase survival rates and improve quality of life, novel natural medicines are required to treat T-ALL. GRh2 and GRg3, extracted from the root of the Panax ginseng , are recognized as major active anticancer saponins in ginsenosides (23). GRg3 may be metabolized to GRh2 by human fecal microflora (24).…”

Efficacy of a Solution Composed by Verbascoside, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Sodium Hyaluronate in the Treatment of Chemotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

“…8 These "natural substances" are low-molecular weight organic compounds found in plants that activate a defence system against physiological and/or environmental stress. [9][10][11] Such compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties and derive from secondary metabolites, which belong mainly to the category of terpenes, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. [12][13][14] Polyphenols compound are secondary metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom, with many biological properties, antiallergic, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.…”

Effect of Dendrobium officinale Extraction on Gastric Carcinogenesis in Rats

“…The antioxidative property of natural agents will show the therapeutic and preventive effect on the process of carcinogenesis, such as the natural antioxidants ginsenosides and curcumin [27, 28]. Our recent work has reported that D. candidum could prevent MNNG-induced gastric cancer [19].…”