Anticancer Properties of Carnosol: A Summary of In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Abstract

Cancer is characterized by unrestricted cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, enhanced invasion and migration, and deregulation of signalling cascades. These properties lead to uncontrolled growth, enhanced survival, and the formation of tumours. Carnosol, a naturally occurring phyto-polyphenol (diterpene) found in rosemary, has been studied for its extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In cancer cells, carnosol has been demonstrated to inhibit cell proliferation and survival, reduce migration and invasion, and significantly enhance apoptosis. These anticancer effects of carnosol are mediated by the inhibition of several signalling molecules including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, carnosol prevents the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and promotes apoptosis, as indicated by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9, increased levels of the pro-apoptotic marker Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), and reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The current review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo evidence examining the anticancer effects of carnosol across various tissues.

Carnosol Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation of Cardiomyoblasts by Inhibiting NF-κB: A Mechanistic in Vitro and in Silico Study

“…Furthermore, previous reports have indicated that carnosol has several valuable properties including anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects [ 18 , 19 ] and modulating peripheral pain signaling [ 20 ]. In addition, ample evidence has indicated carnosol stimulates and increases levels of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) displaced into the nucleus [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Recent Progress in Understanding the Action of Natural Compounds at Novel Therapeutic Drug Targets for the Treatment of Liver Cancer

“…Subsequently, invading tumor cells dissolve the extracellular matrix (ECM), which, when occurs excessively, is a hallmark of tumor invasion and migration ( 27 ). Thus, cancer cells migrate and invade by damaging the ECM ( 101 ). Recent research has demonstrated that some natural compounds present anticancer potential in HCC by inhibiting migration and invasion.…”

Flavonoids from Selaginella doederleinii Hieron and Their Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities

“…However, sometimes an imbalance between the ROS production and antioxidant protection system happens, hence there is oxidative stress [5], which potentially causes diseases such as diabetes and cancers [7,8]. To mitigate this, the intake of antioxidants that directly scavenge the free radicals or turn on molecules and enzymes that stimulate redox homeostasis can protect body cells from ROS-induced damage [9,10]. Natural antioxidants have increasingly attracted research focus as synthetic antioxidants have been associated with adverse effects on humans [11].…”