Anticancer therapeutic effect of ginsenosides through mediating reactive oxygen species

Abstract

Dysregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS-regulated pathways in cancer cells leads to abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species, displaying a double-edged role in cancer progression, either supporting transformation/proliferation and stimulating tumorigenesis or inducing cell death. Cancer cells can accommodate reactive oxygen species by regulating them at levels that allow the activation of pro-cancer signaling pathways without inducing cell death via modulation of the antioxidant defense system. Therefore, targeting reactive oxygen species is a promising approach for cancer treatment. Ginsenosides, their derivatives, and related drug carriers are well-positioned to modulate multiple signaling pathways by regulating oxidative stress-mediated cellular and molecular targets to induce apoptosis; regulate cell cycle arrest and autophagy, invasion, and metastasis; and enhance the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapeutic agents of different cancers depending on the type, level, and source of reactive oxygen species, and the type and stage of the cancer. Our review focuses on the pro- and anticancer effects of reactive oxygen species, and summarizes the mechanisms and recent advances in different ginsenosides that bring about anticancer effects by targeting reactive oxygen species, providing new ideas for designing further anticancer studies or conducting more preclinical and clinical studies.

Hawthorn Proanthocyanidin Extract Inhibits Colorectal Carcinoma Metastasis by Targeting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

“…Therefore, prioritizing the development of methods that can effectively prevent, treat, and mitigate toxicity and side effects is imperative. Plant-derived natural active ingredients have demonstrated substantial potential in cancer treatment and prevention [41][42][43], especially those from natural foods. They have gained widespread use as functional and therapeutic foods, proving beneficial in CRC control or as auxiliary anticancer food support [44].…”

Isolation and Identification of Bitter Compounds in Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) Based on Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and Electronic Tongue

“…Ginseng has excellent pharmacological effects, and its ginsenosides have been reported to have anti-aging effects on skin through enhancing immune function, resisting melanin formation, inhibiting oxidation, and elevating the concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid [20]. In addition, saponins in ginseng have antioxidant effects and anti-cancer effects and ameliorate intestinal mucosal damage by enhancing HUR and c-Myc levels [21,22]. Others have shown that saponins in ginseng, such as the ginsenoside Rg1, might have the effect of reducing neuronal apoptosis via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling to improve learning and memory in epileptic rats [23].…”