Potential therapeutic applications of plant toxin-ricin in cancer: challenges and advances
Nikhil Tyagi1,2, Monika Tyagi3, Manendra Pachauri1
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Delhi, 110021, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the most common devastating disease affecting millions of people per year worldwide. To fight against cancer, a number of natural plant compounds have been exploited by researchers to discover novel anti-cancer therapeutics with minimum or no side effects and plants have proved their usefulness in anti-cancer therapy in past few years. Ricin, a cytotoxic plant protein isolated from castor bean seeds, is a ribosome-inactivating protein which destroys the cells by inhibiting proteins synthesis. Ricin presents great potential as anti-cancer agent and exerts its anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the current information on anti-cancer properties of plant toxin ricin, its potential applications in cancer therapy, challenges associated with its use as therapeutic agent and the recent advances made to overcome these challenges. Nanotechnology could open the doors for quick development of ricin-based anti-cancer therapeutics. Conceivably, ricin may serve as a chemotherapeutic agent against cancer by utilizing nanocarriers for its targeted delivery to cancer cells.
Insights
Ricin, a plant toxin, shows potential as an anti-cancer agent by inducing apoptosis. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach for targeted delivery of ricin-based cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, driving research into novel therapeutics.
- Natural plant compounds are increasingly explored for anti-cancer properties with fewer side effects.
- Ricin, a plant toxin from castor beans, is a ribosome-inactivating protein with cytotoxic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-cancer properties of the plant toxin ricin.
- To explore its potential applications and challenges in cancer therapy.
- To highlight recent advances, particularly in nanotechnology, for ricin-based therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current research on ricin's anti-cancer activity.
- Analysis of ricin's mechanism of action, including apoptosis induction.
- Examination of nanotechnology-based strategies for targeted delivery.
Main Results:
- Ricin exhibits anti-cancer activity by inhibiting protein synthesis and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Challenges in ricin's therapeutic use include its toxicity and delivery.
- Nanotechnology provides a viable strategy for targeted delivery and overcoming toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Ricin holds significant potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
- Targeted delivery systems, especially nanocarriers, are crucial for realizing ricin's therapeutic potential.
- Further research and development in nanomedicine can advance ricin-based cancer treatments.
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