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Antitumor promoting potential of selected phytochemicals derived from spices: a review
Shashi Rajput1, Mahitosh Mandal
1School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.
Abstract:
Carcinogenesis is a multistep process exhibiting deregulation in multiple cellular signaling pathways. Therefore, specific agent based treatments that target only one pathway usually fail in cancer therapy. The combination treatments using chemotherapeutic agents with distinct molecular mechanisms are considered more promising for higher efficacy; however, using multiple agents contributes to added toxicity. However, the in-vitro and in-vivo studies in the last few decades have demonstrated that some phytochemicals derived from 'natural products' such as fruits, vegetables and certain spices, referred to as chemopreventive agents, including capsaicin, trans-anethole, thymoquinone, diosgenin, allicin, can not only reduce the risk of acquiring specific cancer but also have been shown to suppress cancer cell proliferation, inhibit growth factor signaling pathways, induce apoptosis, inhibit nuclear factor-κB, AP-1, Akt, MAPK, Wnt, Notch, p53, AR, ER, and JAK-STAT, etc., activation pathways, inhibit angiogenesis, suppress the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, and inhibit cyclooxygenase-2. This study describes the above active components of some of the major spices, their mechanisms of action and their potential in prevention of various cancers.
Insights
Natural compounds from spices show promise in cancer prevention by targeting multiple signaling pathways. These phytochemicals offer a safer, effective approach compared to single-agent therapies, potentially reducing cancer risk and progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Carcinogenesis involves complex, multi-step signaling pathway deregulation.
- Single-agent cancer therapies often fail due to pathway redundancy.
- Combination therapies increase efficacy but also toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the chemopreventive potential of spice-derived phytochemicals.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these natural compounds.
- To highlight their role in multi-targeted cancer prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in-vitro and in-vivo studies on phytochemicals.
- Analysis of mechanisms targeting key cancer signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK, Wnt).
- Examination of effects on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Phytochemicals like capsaicin, trans-anethole, and thymoquinone exhibit broad anti-cancer activities.
- These compounds modulate multiple oncogenic pathways, offering a distinct advantage.
- Demonstrated inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and anti-angiogenic effects.
Conclusions:
- Spice-derived phytochemicals represent a promising strategy for multi-targeted cancer chemoprevention.
- Their ability to target multiple pathways offers potential for increased efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Further research into these natural products could lead to novel cancer prevention therapies.
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