Antitumor effects and molecular mechanisms of action of natural products in ovarian cancer (Review)

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy and the second leading cause of mortality among females with genital tract cancer. At present, postoperative platinum drugs and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is the gold standard treatment for ovarian cancer. However, patients who receive this chemotherapy often develop cumulative toxic effects and are prone to chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to determine more effective treatment options that would be better tolerated by patients. Recent studies have reported the therapeutic effects of numerous natural products in patients with ovarian cancer. Notably, these natural ingredients do not induce adverse effects in healthy cells and tissues, suggesting that natural products may serve as a safe alternative treatment for ovarian cancer. The antitumor effects of natural products are attributed to suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis, stimulation of autophagy, improved chemotherapy sensitivity, and induction of apoptosis. The present review focused on the antitumor effects of several natural products, including curcumin, resveratrol, ginsenosides, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and quercetin, which are increasingly being investigated as therapeutic options in ovarian cancer, and discussed the molecular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis and sensitization.

Biomedical Properties of Propolis on Diverse Chronic Diseases and Its Potential Applications and Health Benefits

“…This work is relevant since it provides an example of the path that can be followed for subsequent studies, since it combines a drug (doxorubicin) and propolis or its components to observe a possible synergistic effect against cancer cells. We consider this to be remarkable since some of the drugs currently used in the treatment of cancer, such as taxol, have an origin in alternative medicine, so we cannot rule out continuing to integrate compounds from herbal sources or beehives in cancer treatment [ 194 ].…”

Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) in NSCLC: From Prognosis to Therapy Design

“…Their incorporation in the treatment of lung cancer (chem otherapy and radiotherapy) has led to significant improvement of patient quality of life [119]. Curcumin is one of the most studied agents used for the treatment of various can cers, and antimetastatic effects have also been observed for other natural and synthetic derivatives [120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128], implying high potential for incorporation into therapeutic regimens for NSCLC treatment.…”

Pathological and Pharmacological Roles of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Malignant Neoplasms: Therapies Involving Chemical Compounds, Natural Products, and Photosensitizers

“…Natural products are widely used as health supplements and drugs worldwide, particularly in Asia. They are safe and relatively inexpensive, and investigators support the opinion that natural products exhibit anticancer effects and improve prognosis in various types of cancers [ 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. In recent years, increased risk of toxicity and reduction of antioxidant activity by uncontrolled and excessive consumption of natural products and their extracts has become problematic [ 86 ].…”

“…Curcumin is recognized as a bioactive compound that belongs to the family of curcuminoids, which are yellow pigments extracted from turmeric rhizomes. This substance has been reported to have exhibited anticancer effects in various malignant cells [ 87 , 111 ]. Curcumin and its analogs enhance the anticancer effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents [ 112 , 113 ].…”