The Role of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Compounds in Ovarian Cancer: Updates on Mechanisms of Action, Current Trends and Perspectives

Abstract

Ovarian cancer represents a major health concern for the female population: there is no obvious cause, it is frequently misdiagnosed, and it is characterized by a poor prognosis. Additionally, patients are inclined to recurrences because of metastasis and poor treatment tolerance. Combining innovative therapeutic techniques with established approaches can aid in improving treatment outcomes. Because of their multi-target actions, long application history, and widespread availability, natural compounds have particular advantages in this connection. Thus, effective therapeutic alternatives with improved patient tolerance hopefully can be identified within the world of natural and nature-derived products. Moreover, natural compounds are generally perceived to have more limited adverse effects on healthy cells or tissues, suggesting their potential role as valid treatment alternatives. In general, the anticancer mechanisms of such molecules are connected to the reduction of cell proliferation and metastasis, autophagy stimulation and improved response to chemotherapeutics. This review aims at discussing the mechanistic insights and possible targets of natural compounds against ovarian cancer, from the perspective of medicinal chemists. In addition, an overview of the pharmacology of natural products studied to date for their potential application towards ovarian cancer models is presented. The chemical aspects as well as available bioactivity data are discussed and commented on, with particular attention to the underlying molecular mechanism(s).

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Their Natural Flavonoid Compounds in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Review

“…Curcumin, mainly from turmeric root, has been found in studies to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells, and it causes cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and leads to cell death. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound, and ginsenoside, a steroidal compound, both have anticancer activity similar to curcumin [ 141 ]. Compared to these natural products, SB and its natural compounds have an advantage in the fight against OC.…”

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Gypsogenin Derivatives as Potential Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents

“…First defined compounds from plant have been used in oncology. Up to now, many products or its derivatives have been approved for chemotherapeutic agents [1–3] …”

“…Up to now, many products or its derivatives have been approved for chemotherapeutic agents. [1][2][3] Especially, saponins are important bioactive compounds, mainly obtained from the roots of Gypsophila species. [4][5][6][7] The triterpenoid saponins from Gypsophila plant species were reported to have remarkable biological activities, including anticarcinogenic, [8,9] anti-inflammatory, [10] antitumor, [11][12][13] antiproliferative, [14] antioxidant activities.…”

Novel polymer-based hydrogels of recent research in drug delivery for disease treatment related to SARS-CoV-2 virus

“…These systems ensure the sustained release of drugs [57], maintaining their presence at the target location for an extended duration [58]. Drug delivery systems also facilitate the administration of combination therapies [45], wherein multiple drugs with complementary mechanisms of action are dispensed simultaneously or sequentially [59]. This approach can heighten therapeutic efficacy and help surmount issues related to drug resistance [60].…”