Insight into the Biological Roles and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Different Types of Cancer: Targeting Cancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Cancer is a hard-to-treat disease with a high reoccurrence rate that affects health and lives globally. The condition has a high occurrence rate and is the second leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disorders. Increased research and more profound knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to the disease’s onset and progression have led to drug discovery and development. Various drugs are on the market against cancer; however, the drugs face challenges of chemoresistance. The other major problem is the side effects of these drugs. Therefore, using complementary and additional medicines from natural sources is the best strategy to overcome these issues. The naturally occurring phytochemicals are a vast source of novel drugs against various ailments. The modes of action by which phytochemicals show their anti-cancer effects can be the induction of apoptosis, the onset of cell cycle arrest, kinase inhibition, and the blocking of carcinogens. This review aims to describe different phytochemicals, their classification, the role of phytochemicals as anti-cancer agents, the mode of action of phytochemicals, and their role in various types of cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dietary Polyphenols through Inhibitory Activity against Metalloproteinases

“…Table 3 shows a summary of binding energies in complexes of polyphenols and MMPs and amino acid residues involved in hydrogen bonding. −7.90 kcal/mol (4) (Tyr3, Ile141, Thr143, Thr145, Asn147, Phe148) −9.11 kcal/mol (5) (Leu164, Ala165, Ala217, Ala220) −7.35 kcal/mol (8) (Arg149) −32.72 kcal/mol (10) (Leu399, His403, Glu404, Ala192) MMP3 −7.25 kcal/mol (1) (Tyr155, Leu164) −10.2 kcal/mol (9) (Leu164, Ala165, Leu218) MMP9 −8.82 kcal/mol (5) (Pro415)−10.8 kcal/mol (6) (Leu188, Ala189, Glu227, Tyr245) −6.16 kcal/mol (1) (Glu402)−9.9 kcal/mol (7) (Leu188, Ala189, Glu227, Met247)…”

“…−57.61 kcal/mol (10) (Leu199, Phe234, His239, Glu240, Met257, Gln262) Amino acid residues involved in hydrogen bonding are indicated in parentheses. The binding energies were taken from the following references: (1) Zhang, Z. et al [134], (2) Li, F. et al [140], (3) Erusappan, T. et al [141], (4) Xu, J. et al [142], (5) Pandey, A.K. et al [143], (6) Yu, J. et al [147], (7) Huynh, C.B.…”

An In Vitro Examination of Whether Kratom Extracts Enhance the Cytotoxicity of Low-Dose Doxorubicin against A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells

“…The latter were only detected in the crude extract. Since these phytochemicals could also affect cytotoxic activity [ 51 ], we assumed that the non-alkaloids in the Kratom extract could have a synergetic effect with doxorubicin. An intensive study is being conducted in our lab to obtain its mechanism of action.…”

4″-Alkyl EGCG Derivatives Induce Cytoprotective Autophagy Response by Inhibiting EGFR in Glioblastoma Cells

“…(−)-Epigallocatechin-3- O -gallate (EGCG), a major green tea polyphenol and therapeutically active compound known to elicit health-beneficial activities against diseases, including cancer. − EGCG exhibits its anticancer activity by regulating various signaling pathways associated with cancer progression . However, low bioavailability, poor stability, , and less membrane permeability minimize the use of EGCG as a therapeutic agent. , To overcome these shortcomings, various structural derivatizations of EGCG have been carried out to enhance its biological activities .…”