Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Implications of Herbal Compounds Targeting Different Types of Cancer

Abstract

Due to genetic changes in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences, cancer continues to be the second most prevalent cause of death. The traditional target-directed approach, which is confronted with the importance of target function in healthy cells, is one of the most significant challenges in anticancer research. Another problem with cancer cells is that they experience various mutations, changes in gene duplication, and chromosomal abnormalities, all of which have a direct influence on the potency of anticancer drugs at different developmental stages. All of these factors combine to make cancer medication development difficult, with low clinical licensure success rates when compared to other therapy categories. The current review focuses on the pathophysiology and molecular aspects of common cancer types. Currently, the available chemotherapeutic drugs, also known as combination chemotherapy, are associated with numerous adverse effects, resulting in the search for herbal-based alternatives that attenuate resistance due to cancer therapy and exert chemo-protective actions. To provide new insights, this review updated the list of key compounds that may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Walnut Constituents: Focus on Personalized Cancer Prevention and the Microbiome

“…Walnuts contain a remarkable array of micronutrients and phytochemicals that exhibit a wide range of health benefits, including protection against inflammation and various forms of cancer. Walnuts are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), tocopherols, antioxidant polyphenols (catechins, resveratrol, ellagitannins), phytosterols (stigmasterol, campesterol, sitosterol) and active prebiotics [8][9][10][11][12][13] (Figure 1). Moreover, walnuts are a rich source of fiber that generates SCFAs, metabolic products that can reduce cancer risk [14,15].…”

Targeting the Interplay of Independent Cellular Pathways and Immunity: A Challenge in Cancer Immunotherapy

“…Various herbal agents are being investigated to induce ROS-mediated ICD to realize advanced cancer therapy in combination with immunotherapic procedures [44][45][46]. ROS production obtained by natural products such as Naringenin, which is one of the most abundant flavonoids in diets, enhances MHC-I antigen cross-presentation in the anticancer immune response [26,36].…”

Isolation and Antitumoral Effect of a New Siphonochilone Derivative from African Ginger

“…Given the increasing number of cancer-related deaths, there is an urgent need to develop new prevention strategies and therapeutic approaches that can mitigate side effects and overcome treatment resistance . Natural compounds have demonstrated a wide range of beneficial activities, including the enhancement of health and cancer treatment . The history of anticancer drug discovery has been significantly influenced by natural products.…”

“… 13 Natural compounds have demonstrated a wide range of beneficial activities, including the enhancement of health and cancer treatment. 14 The history of anticancer drug discovery has been significantly influenced by natural products. Numerous widely used anticancer drugs, such as irinotecan, paclitaxel, vincristine, and etoposide, have been developed from natural products.…”