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Published on: December 19, 2019
Anticarcinogenic Effects of α-Mangostin: A Review
Kuo-Jun Zhang1, Qin-Lan Gu2, Kan Yang1
1Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of Jiangsu Province, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Cancer chemoprevention is a promising strategy taken to block, reverse, or retard carcinogenesis. α-Mangostin, a natural xanthone isolated from the pericarps of mangosteen, represents one of the most studied chemopreventive agents. This compound has been reported to interfere with all the major stages of carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion, and progression. A number of mechanisms have been proposed for its anticarcinogenic activities. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms that contribute to the observed activity of α-mangostin related to (i) modulation of carcinogenic biotransformation and mitigation of oxidative damage, (ii) induction of growth arrest and apoptosis, (iii) suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis, and (iv) combination with clinical chemotherapy drugs enhancing their efficacy and decreasing the toxic side effects. In addition, pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies of α-mangostin have also been highlighted in this review. Despite an overwhelming amount of knowledge in preclinical studies, there was almost no translation of α-mangostin into the clinic. It is hoped that continuous extensive and profound research will lead to the application of α-mangostin from experimental studies to evidence-based, clinically applicable pharmacotherapy.
Insights
Alpha-mangostin, a natural compound from mangosteen, shows significant potential in blocking cancer development through various mechanisms. Further research is needed to translate these promising preclinical findings into clinical applications for cancer chemoprevention.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer chemoprevention aims to block or reverse carcinogenesis.
- Alpha-mangostin, a xanthone from mangosteen, is a well-studied chemopreventive agent.
- It impacts all stages of carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion, and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms underlying alpha-mangostin's anticarcinogenic activities.
- To summarize preclinical findings on its efficacy and safety.
- To highlight the gap between preclinical research and clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on alpha-mangostin's chemopreventive mechanisms.
- Analysis of research on its effects on biotransformation, oxidative stress, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- Inclusion of pharmacokinetic and toxicological data.
Main Results:
- Alpha-mangostin modulates carcinogenic biotransformation and mitigates oxidative damage.
- It induces growth arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.
- It suppresses angiogenesis and metastasis, and can enhance chemotherapy efficacy while reducing side effects.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-mangostin exhibits diverse mechanisms against cancer development.
- Extensive preclinical data exists, but clinical translation remains limited.
- Continued research is crucial for developing alpha-mangostin as a clinical chemopreventive therapy.
