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Cancer chemoprevention by natural-products (review)

T Tanaka

    Oncology Reports
    |May 25, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Natural and synthetic substances can prevent or reverse cancer. This review highlights natural products with chemopreventive potential, examining their mechanisms and relevance for human cancer prophylaxis.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Pharmacology
    • Natural Products Chemistry

    Background:

    • Environmental factors can promote or inhibit carcinogenesis.
    • Cancer chemoprevention aims to prevent or reverse cancer development.
    • Over 600 potential chemopreventive agents have been identified.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review natural products with chemopreventive potential.
    • To present experimental evidence on their mechanisms of action.
    • To discuss their relevance for human cancer prophylaxis.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of experimental and epidemiological evidence.
    • Focus on naturally occurring chemopreventive substances.
    • Analysis of mechanisms of action and spectra of activity.

    Main Results:

    • Numerous natural products exhibit chemopreventive properties.
    • Experimental data supports the inhibitory or reversal effects on carcinogenesis.
    • Approximately 30 agents are currently under human testing.

    Conclusions:

    • Natural products represent a promising source of cancer chemopreventives.
    • Further investigation is needed to elucidate their full potential and applications.
    • These agents may play a significant role in human cancer prophylaxis.

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