Cucurbitacins as potential anticancer agents: new insights on molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Since ancient times, plants have been an extensive reservoir of bioactive compounds with therapeutic interest for new drug development and clinical application. Cucurbitacins are a compelling example of these drug leads, primarily present in the plant kingdom, especially in the Cucurbitaceae family. However, these natural compounds are also known in several genera within other plant families. Beyond the Cucurbitaceae family, they are also present in other plant families, as well as in some fungi and one shell-less marine mollusc. Despite the natural abundance of cucurbitacins in different natural species, their obtaining and isolation is limited, as a result, an increase in their chemical synthesis has been developed by researchers. Data on cucurbitacins and their anticancer activities were collected from databases such as PubMed/MedLine, TRIP database, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect and the information was arranged sequentially for a better understanding of the antitumor potential. The results of the studies showed that cucurbitacins have significant biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and antitumor potential. In conclusion, there are several studies, both in vitro and in vivo reporting this important anticancer/chemopreventive potential; hence a comprehensive review on this topic is recommended for future clinical research.

Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update

“…Blackberries, strawberries, walnuts, cranberries, artichokes, raspberries, brewed coffee, blueberries, pecans, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened chocolate ranked at the top of the classification due to normal serving quantities (Kim et al, 2002 ). Antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta‐carotene, and lycopene are abundant in fruit juice and beverages (Islam et al, 2021 ; Varela et al, 2022 ). Fruit juice, beverages, and hot beverages have been shown to lower morbidity and mortality associated with degenerative diseases (Calina et al, 2020 ; Sharifi‐Rad, et al, 2022a ).…”

Cucurbitacin-B instigates intrinsic apoptosis and modulates Notch signaling in androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells

“…The chemical composition of cucurbitacins is referred to as triterpenoid adjoined by a base nuclear frame as 19-(10″9)-abeo-5α-lanostane that is responsible for carrying oxygen atoms at different positions ( Kaushik, et al, 2015 ). A recent study has documented the antitumor effect of cucurbitacin compound and its derivative against human breast cancer cells like MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 ( Varela, et al, 2022 ). Cucurbitacin B (Cur-B) is a predominantly distributed natural compound.…”

A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle: current landscape and future perspectives

“…Cancer is a large group of diseases that vary in mode of onset, growth rate, diagnosis, detectability, invasive potential, metastasis, response to treatment and prognosis [122][123][124][125][126]. Numerous studies have also revealed that additional Paeonia constituents may be used to treat breast, lung, and liver cancers and leukaemia.…”