An updated review on molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of capsaicin

Area of Science:

• Natural product chemistry
• Cancer biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Natural products have a history of yielding successful anticancer drugs.
• Capsaicin, from chili peppers, has been studied for anticancer properties for over 30 years.
• Existing research suggests capsaicin impacts multiple cancer hallmarks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular targets of capsaicin in cancer.
• To update on capsaicin's role in modulating oncogenic signaling.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on capsaicin and cancer.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying capsaicin's effects on cancer cells.
• Synthesis of data on capsaicin's impact on cancer hallmarks.

Main Results:

• Capsaicin inhibits cancer hallmarks including proliferation, apoptosis evasion, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune escape.
• The compound suppresses carcinogen activation and experimental tumor growth.
• Capsaicin inhibits kinases and transcription factors involved in tumor promotion and progression.
• It activates apoptosis through mitochondrial and death receptor pathways.

Conclusions:

• Capsaicin demonstrates broad-spectrum anticancer activity by targeting multiple oncogenic pathways.
• Its ability to modulate key cancer hallmarks makes it a promising candidate for drug development.
• Further research into capsaicin's molecular targets could lead to novel cancer therapies.