Escin’s Multifaceted Therapeutic Profile in Treatment and Post-Treatment of Various Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Although modern medicine is advancing at an unprecedented rate, basic challenges in cancer treatment and drug resistance remain. Exploiting natural-product-based drugs is a strategy that has been proven over time to provide diverse and efficient approaches in patient care during treatment and post-treatment periods of various diseases, including cancer. Escin—a plant-derived triterpenoid saponin—is one example of natural products with a broad therapeutic scope. Initially, escin was proven to manifest potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effects. However, in the last two decades, other novel activities of escin relevant to cancer treatment have been reported. Recent studies demonstrated escin’s efficacy in compositions with other approved drugs to accomplish synergy and increased bioavailability to broaden their apoptotic, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenetic effects. Here, we comprehensively discuss and present an overview of escin’s chemistry and bioavailability, and highlight its biological activities against various cancer types. We conclude the review by presenting possible future directions of research involving escin for medical and pharmaceutical applications as well as for basic research.

The Interplay Between Cardiovascular Disease and Lung Cancer

“…Apart from lorlatinib, repotrectinib, another ALK inhibitor that crosses into the brain, has been connected to weight gain [ 66 ]. The reason behind the weight gain, as well as increased levels of triglycerides and cholesterol seen with these brain-penetrating ALK inhibitors, is believed to involve interactions with the hypothalamus [ 67 - 69 ]. Beyond affecting metabolism, ALK inhibitors are known to cause a variety of side effects including pain, vision changes, pigmentation issues, impacts on central nervous system (CNS) functions, and reproductive effects [ 69 ].…”

The Southern European Atlantic Diet and Its Supplements: The Chemical Bases of Its Anticancer Properties

“…Escin is a group of steroidal saponins found in various plant species. Its potential anticancer properties have been investigated due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties [166,167]. Escin has also shown inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies and animal models.…”

“…Escin: It is a compound found in the seeds of the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum). It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, and its properties and potential applications have been studied [166][167][168]. Escin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties, that is, it can help strengthen blood vessels and reduce inflammation.…”