Molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity of natural dietetic products

M Colic1, K Pavelic

  • 1R&D Division, Molecutec Corporation, Goleta, CA 93117, USA.

Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin, Germany)
|September 23, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Dietary supplements containing natural compounds show anticancer effects. Antioxidants and polyphenols, like those in green tea, demonstrate significant potential in cancer prevention and treatment research.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Dietary supplements are widely researched for cancer prevention and treatment.
  • The efficacy of these supplements remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate.
  • Emerging research highlights potential anticancer properties of certain supplements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer activities of various dietary supplements.
  • To identify natural compounds with significant efficacy in cancer research.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of these supplements.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo experimental models were utilized.
  • Analysis focused on natural compounds with multifunctional activities.
  • Specific mechanisms like protein kinase modulation, angiogenesis inhibition, and nitric oxide synthase inhibition were examined.

Main Results:

  • Certain dietary supplements exhibit notable anticancer activity.
  • Natural compounds, particularly antioxidants and polyphenols (e.g., catechins from green tea), show the strongest effects.
  • Observed activities include cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, alongside other mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary supplements, especially those rich in natural multifunctional compounds, possess demonstrated anticancer potential.
  • Further clinical investigation, including trials with flavonoid molecules, is warranted.
  • These findings support the continued exploration of natural compounds in cancer therapy and prevention.

Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...