Anticancer effect of terpenes: focus on malignant melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is a highly aggressive and life-threatening form of skin cancer that accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although conventional cancer therapies, such as surgical excision, chemotherapy, and radiation, have been used to treat malignant melanoma, their efficacy is often limited due to the development of resistance and adverse side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in developing alternative treatment options for melanoma that are more effective and less toxic. Terpenes, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds of plant origin, have emerged as potential anticancer agents due to their ability to inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, the current understanding of the anticancer effects of terpenes (including, thymoquinone, β-elemene, carvacrol, limonene, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, perillyl alcohol, taxol, betulinic acid, α-bisabolol, ursolic acid, linalool, lupeol, and artesunate) was summarized, with a special focus on their potential as therapeutic agents for malignant melanoma.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Liver Cancer and Their Potential Mechanisms

“…A recent review has succinctly outlined the anticancer attributes of terpenoids, emphasizing their potent efficacy against tumors. This underscores their potential as additional avenues for the development of anticancer medications [ 70 , 71 , 72 ]. For liver cancer, some terpenoids have also demonstrated promising therapeutic effects.…”

Recent Advances in Chemistry and Antioxidant/Anticancer Biology of Monoterpene and Meroterpenoid Natural Product

“…Furthermore, as of 2005 less than 10% of the biodiversity on this planet had been biologically evaluated for their therapeutic potential [ 4 ] this underscoring the vast potential of these resources. Various recent reviews have highlighted the importance of natural product research in anticancer and antibiotic research for similar natural products not included here [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

The Anticancer Activities of Natural Terpenoids That Inhibit Both Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

“…Kłos et al summarized 18 plant-derived terpenoids that have anti-melanoma activity [25]. In another review, Wróblewska-Łuczka et al described anti-melanoma activities of 15 different terpenes with a focus on how these terpenes can be used as adjuvant therapy in melanoma treatment such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy [26]. Some lesser-known triterpenoids that have anti-melanoma effect have been described previously [27].…”