Phytochemicals as Innovative Therapeutic Tools against Cancer Stem Cells

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are validated drivers of cancer initiation and progression.
• CSCs possess self-renewal capacity and drug resistance, making them therapeutic targets.
• Phytochemicals and herbal extracts are increasingly recognized for their anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current scientific knowledge on phytochemicals and herbal extracts targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs).
• To explore the mechanisms by which phytochemicals interfere with CSC survival pathways.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in cancer eradication via CSC elimination.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on phytochemicals and cancer stem cells.
• Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating phytochemical efficacy.
• Identification of common assays used to measure phytochemical effects on CSCs (e.g., ALDH1 activity, xenografts).

Main Results:

• Numerous phytochemicals (EGCG, curcumin, piperine, sulforaphane, beta-carotene, genistein) and plant extracts demonstrate CSC-killing activity.
• Phytochemicals interfere with key CSC pathways, notably the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
• Established methods like mammosphere assays and xenograft transplantation are used to evaluate CSC-targeting efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Phytochemicals represent a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment by targeting and eliminating cancer stem cells.
• Interference with CSC-sustaining pathways, particularly the Wnt pathway, is a primary mechanism of action for effective phytochemicals.
• Further research into phytochemicals offers a promising avenue for developing novel cancer eradication therapies.