The Adroitness of Andrographolide as a Natural Weapon Against Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

The conventional carcinoma treatment generally encompasses the employment of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or use of cytotoxic drugs. However, recent advances in pharmacological research have divulged the importance of traditional treatments in cancer. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the importance of one such medicinal herb of Chinese and Indian origin: Andrographis paniculate on colorectal cancer with special emphasis on its principal bioactive component andrographolide (AGP) and its underlying mechanisms of action. AGP has long been known to possess medicinal properties. Studies led by numerous groups of researchers shed light on its molecular mechanism of action. AGP has been shown to act in a multi-faceted manner in context of colorectal cancer by targeting matrix metalloproteinase-9, Toll-like receptor or NFκB signaling pathways. In this review, we highlighted the recent studies that show that AGP can act as an effective immunomodulator by harnessing effective anti-tumor immune response. Recent studies strongly recommend further research on this compound and its analogues, especially under in-vivo condition to assess its actual potential as a prospective and efficient candidate against colorectal cancer. The current review deals with the roles of this phytomedicine in context of colorectal cancer and briefly describes its perspectives to emerge as an essential anti-cancer drug candidate. Finally, we also point out the drawbacks and difficulties in administration of AGP and indicate the use of nano-formulations of this phytomedicine for better therapeutic efficacy.

Discovery of Pesticide Candidates from Natural Plant Products: Semisynthesis and Characterization of Andrographolide-Based Esters and Study of Their Pesticidal Properties and Toxicology

“…Andrographolide ( 1 , Figure ) is a diterpene lactone compound isolated from the commonly used Chinese herbal medicine Andrographis paniculata . Andrographolide has anticancer, , antibacterial, antiviral, , antiinflammatory, anti-Alzheimer’s, and pesticidal activities, , but its pharmacological effects are limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability . Therefore, structural modification of andrographolide is necessary to improve its bioactivities.…”

Bletilla striata polysaccharide-coated andrographolide nanomicelles for targeted drug delivery to enhance anti-colon cancer efficacy

“…However, the clinical application of AG has been limited because of its defects such as low bioavailability and high hydrophobicity. In order to enhance the therapeutic effects of AG, design AG-loaded nanoscale formulations is very important ( 28 ).…”

The Role of Natural Products from Herbal Medicine in TLR4 Signaling for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with thousands of years of history, is attracting attention for cancer therapy because of its unique characteristics and safety [ 15 , 16 ]. Numerous TCM products exhibit potent anticancer effects [ 17 ], regulating proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis.…”