Phytochemicals as Chemo-Preventive Agents and Signaling Molecule Modulators: Current Role in Cancer Therapeutics and Inflammation

Abstract

Cancer is one of the deadliest non communicable diseases. Numerous anticancer medications have been developed to target the molecular pathways driving cancer. However, there has been no discernible increase in the overall survival rate in cancer patients. Therefore, innovative chemo-preventive techniques and agents are required to supplement standard cancer treatments and boost their efficacy. Fruits and vegetables should be tapped into as a source of compounds that can serve as cancer therapy. Phytochemicals play an important role as sources of new medication in cancer treatment. Some synthetic and natural chemicals are effective for cancer chemoprevention, i.e., the use of exogenous medicine to inhibit or impede tumor development. They help regulate molecular pathways linked to the development and spread of cancer. They can enhance antioxidant status, inactivating carcinogens, suppressing proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and death, and regulating the immune system. While focusing on four main categories of plant-based anticancer agents, i.e., epipodophyllotoxin, camptothecin derivatives, taxane diterpenoids, and vinca alkaloids and their mode of action, we review the anticancer effects of phytochemicals, like quercetin, curcumin, piperine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol. We examine the different signaling pathways associated with cancer and how inflammation as a key mechanism is linked to cancer growth.

PCLLA-nanoHA Bone Substitute Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Improves Alveolar Bone Repair in Diabetic Environments

“…These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed M2 polarization and tissue repair effects induced by the PCLLA-nanoHA material. Specifically, our study revealed that the PCLLA-nanoHA material promotes M2 polarization of macrophages compared to HA, potentially due to the enrichment of multiple signaling pathway molecules associated with suppressing inflammation and promoting repair [24].…”

Apoptotic Activity of Protopine against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines: An in vitro Study

“…38 As an outcome of studies demonstrating that some chemo-preventive therapies function to prevent cancer by modulating the apoptotic process there is a chance for innovative medications that may be beneficial in managing cancer. 39 A better understanding of the Protopine-induced cell death process was established by employing the AO/EB staining method to examine morphological alterations in connection to apoptosis. 24 The viable cells fluoresced green owing to the ability of AO to penetrate the cell membranes, however, the apoptotic cells fluoresced orange because of shrinkage of the nucleus, demonstrating the initiation of apoptosis.…”

Evaluation of the merit of ethanolic extract of Annona reticulata as an anti-cancer agent in human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116)

“…19 Natural phytocompounds are an important source of emerging chemo-preventive, chemotherapeutic and chemo-sensitizing agents for the treatment of cancer. 20 Plant polyphenols and flavonoids were reported to have numerous biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties and have shown to possess the potential to be developed into relatively safe and effective chemotherapeutic agents. 21 It was seen that the amount of total phenolic and flavonoid content of the fractions increased with the increase in polarity of the solvent reported in this study.…”