Cancer chemoprevention by natural carotenoids as an efficient strategy

Area of Science:

• * Nutritional Biochemistry and Molecular Oncology
• * Natural Product Chemistry and Pharmacology

Background:

• * Chemoprevention utilizes compounds to suppress tumor growth or reverse carcinogenesis.
• * Natural products, particularly carotenoids, are vital sources of anticancer agents.
• * Carotenoids are lipophilic phytonutrients that inhibit tumor development via diverse mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review the multifaceted roles of carotenoids in tumor growth suppression.
• * To highlight the challenges and advancements in utilizing carotenoids for cancer treatment.
• * To explore the potential of water-soluble carotenoids, such as crocin, in chemoprevention.

Main Methods:

• * Literature review of studies on carotenoid functions in cancer chemoprevention.
• * Analysis of in vitro and in vivo data on tumor inhibition by various carotenoids.
• * Examination of the physicochemical properties and therapeutic implications of carotenoids.

Main Results:

• * Carotenoids exhibit anticancer effects through free radical scavenging, anti-angiogenesis, antiproliferation, and apoptosis induction.
• * Common carotenoids' therapeutic application is limited by poor water solubility.
• * Glycosylated carotenoids, like crocin, demonstrate water solubility and cytotoxicity against cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• * Carotenoids are potent natural compounds with significant chemopreventive potential.
• * Overcoming solubility issues is key to maximizing carotenoid therapeutic efficacy.
• * Water-soluble carotenoids represent a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments.