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On the natural chemoprevention of cancer

Fiona R Saunders1, Heather M Wallace

  • 1Section of Translational Medicine, Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland AB252ZD, UK.

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB
|March 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds show promise for cancer chemoprevention, offering an alternative to traditional treatments. Research focuses on plant-derived agents targeting pathways like polyamine metabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer treatment remains challenging with limited recent advancements.
  • Chemoprevention strategies are increasingly explored as alternative approaches.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) demonstrate proof-of-concept for chemoprevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review naturally occurring compounds for cancer chemoprevention.
  • To identify potential benefits of these compounds.
  • To explore their targeted molecular pathways, focusing on the polyamine pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of naturally occurring chemical compounds.
  • Analysis of compounds' potential chemopreventive effects.
  • Investigation of targeted molecular pathways, including polyamine metabolism.

Main Results:

  • Several naturally occurring compounds exhibit potential for cancer chemoprevention.
  • These compounds may act through various molecular mechanisms.
  • The polyamine pathway is a key target for natural chemopreventive agents.

Conclusions:

  • Plant-derived compounds offer a promising avenue for cancer chemoprevention.
  • Targeting specific pathways like polyamine metabolism is crucial.
  • Further research into natural compounds could lead to novel cancer prevention strategies.

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