Phytochemicals and cancer chemoprevention

Abstract

The unending morbidity and mortality that results from cancer, as well as adverse reactions due to chemotherapy and the enormous economic burden of treatment and hospitalization, advocates for the necessity of chemopreventive measures. Cancer chemoprevention refers to the use of agents capable of reversing, reducing, or slowing down the pathology of cancer at various stages. Fortunately, a few therapeutic drugs with relatively low toxicity (e.g., tamoxifen, finasteride), and a sparse number of vaccines (hepatitis B, HPV), are used to prevent specific cancers. In the general population, however, therapeutic options for cancer prevention are not common. Nonetheless, it is generally agreed that diet affects the genesis of cancer, and phytochemicals have the capacity of functioning as cancer chemoprevention agents. This is supported by epidemiological studies and clearly documented with animal models designed to mimic human carcinogenesis. Additionally, some public health strategies, such as recommendations for greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, reflect the merits of cancer chemoprevention. Here, we focus on some well-established natural product cancer chemopreventive agents, including resveratrol (grapes), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (green tea), sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables), anthocyanins (grapes and berries), curcumin (turmeric), silibinin (milk thistle), and lycopene (tomatoes). As aptly demonstrated by genomic analysis and other methods, the mechanistic underpinning is variable and complex. In addition, responses may be mediated through indirect mechanisms, such as interaction with the microbiome. Furthermore, ancillary applications of chemopreventive agents are worthy of consideration, such as management of sequelae induced by chemotherapy. Recognizing the loss of millions of cancer patients every year, it is obvious that negating malignant metastatic conditions remains of paramount importance. In meeting this objective, cancer chemoprevention offers great promise.

Phytochemical Analysis and Cytotoxic Activities of Hantap Leaves (<i>Sterculia coccinea</i> Jack) Extract

“…Therefore, chemotherapeutic agents are potential to be used as anticancer compounds in chemoprevention. Many natural compounds in plants, such as vincristine, vinblastine, taxol, and camptothecin, exhibit anticancer activity [15].…”

Evaluation of Chemopreventive Potential and Regulated Toxicity of a Phyto-fabricated Silver Nanoformulation using Bark Extract of Saraca asoca in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Mice in vivo and in vitro

“…The impaired production of myeloid blood cells or pancytopenia of AML leads to the reduction of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. AML occurs due to exposure to agents like smoking, certain chemicals like alkylating agents, platinum and benzene, In contrast to the conventional treatment like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation, plant phytochemicals can be used as nontoxic chemopreventive agents to provide long term therapeutic effect [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Dietary phytochemicals and their role in cancer chemoprevention

“…It has been estimated that more than two-thirds of human cancers are preventable through proper diet and lifestyle changes. In 1981, Doll and Peto [6] reported that 30%-40% of human cancer is preventable, and its mortality is attributed to diet. Their observations were based on statistical and epidemiological data with major concerns on dietary factors that increase cancer risk [6] .…”

“…In 1981, Doll and Peto [6] reported that 30%-40% of human cancer is preventable, and its mortality is attributed to diet. Their observations were based on statistical and epidemiological data with major concerns on dietary factors that increase cancer risk [6] . Although the exact percentage is uncertain, compelling evidence from epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory studies suggest a link between cancer risk and nutritional factors.…”

“…Dave et al . [ 7 ] reviewed some well-established natural phytochemicals as cancer chemopreventive agents, including resveratrol (grapes), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (green tea), sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables), anthocyanins (grapes and berries), curcumin (turmeric), silibinin (milk thistle), and lycopene (tomatoes). As appropriately demonstrated by the genomic analysis and other methods, the mechanistic underpinning remains variable and complex.…”