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A Critical Review on Anticancer Mechanisms of Natural Flavonoid Puerarin
Manikanta Murahari1, Vikas Singh2, Pramila Chaubey3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 560054, Karnataka, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the prominent global causes of death and the foremost worldwide health concern. Despite unprecedented progress in cancer chemoprevention, a vast number of cancers, however, remain an undefeatable challenge for treatment modalities. Immense therapeutic activities of puerarin contribute to its use in various health disorders. In this review, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms and targets of puerarin, proving its potential as a novel anticancer agent, for future cancer therapy and chemoprevention. Several mechanisms account for anticancer activity of puerarin which includes downregulation of NF-kB signalling pathway, mTOR signalling pathway, PI3K and BCl-2 proteins and upregulation of miR-16, caspase proteins, c- Jun N terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. These alterations result in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and/or induction of apoptosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in chemotherapy and chemoprevention could aid in the more pronounced exploration of puerarin in effective cancer treatment.
Insights
Puerarin shows promise as a novel anticancer agent by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis through various molecular pathways. Further research into these mechanisms could enhance future cancer therapy and chemoprevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, with many types posing significant treatment challenges.
- Puerarin exhibits diverse therapeutic activities, suggesting potential in managing various health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms and targets of puerarin as a potential anticancer agent.
- To explore puerarin's utility in future cancer therapy and chemoprevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating puerarin's anticancer properties.
- Analysis of molecular pathways affected by puerarin, including signaling pathways and protein expression.
Main Results:
- Puerarin demonstrates anticancer activity through downregulation of NF-kB, mTOR, PI3K, and BCl-2.
- Upregulation of miR-16, caspases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 contributes to its effects.
- These molecular alterations inhibit cancer cell proliferation and/or induce apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Puerarin possesses significant potential as a novel anticancer therapeutic agent.
- Understanding puerarin's molecular mechanisms is crucial for advancing cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
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