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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.
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Withaferin-A--A Natural Anticancer Agent with Pleitropic Mechanisms of Action

In-Chul Lee1, Bu Young Choi2

  • 1Department of Cosmetic science, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea. lic9418@seowon.ac.kr.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|March 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Withaferin-A, a phytochemical, shows promise in preventing cancer by targeting oncogenic pathways. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-inducing properties, potentially enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer is a leading cause of mortality, with complex molecular mechanisms hindering effective cures.
  • Targeting oncogenic signaling pathways offers a strategy to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.
  • Phytochemicals, such as withaferin-A, demonstrate significant anticancer potential in preclinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanistic aspects of withaferin-A's anticancer effects.
  • To highlight withaferin-A's potential in cancer prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies and rodent models.
  • Analysis of cell culture experiments.
  • Investigation of withaferin-A's molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Withaferin-A suppresses experimentally induced carcinogenesis across various histotypes.
  • Key mechanisms include potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and apoptosis-inducing properties.
  • Withaferin-A sensitizes chemo-resistant cancer cells to existing therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Withaferin-A exhibits multifaceted anticancer properties.
  • Its ability to interfere with oncogenic pathways makes it a promising agent for cancer prevention and therapy.
  • Further research into withaferin-A's mechanisms could lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.
Keywords:
cancerchemopreventionchemotherapyphytochemicalwithaferin-A

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