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Thymoquinone, an Active Compound of Nigella sativa: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Saleh A Almatroodi1, Ahmad Almatroudi1, Mohammed A Alsahli1
1Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and the current mode of cancer treatment causes side effects on normal cells and are still the key challenges in its' treatment. However, natural products or active compounds of medicinal plants have shown to be safe, affordable, and effective in diseases cure.
Methods:
In this context, scientific studies evidence the health-promoting effects of natural products, which work through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Thymoquinone (TM), a predominant active compound of Nigella sativa, has confirmed anti-neoplastic activity through its ability to regulate various genetic pathways. In addition, thymoquinone has established anti-cancerous effects through killing of various cancerous cells,and inhibiting the initiation, migration, invasion, and progression of the cancer. The anti-cancer effects of TM are chiefly mediated via regulating various cell signaling pathways such as VEGF, bcl2/bax ratio, p53, NF-kB, and oncogenes.
Results:
The anti-cancer drugs have limitations in efficacy and also causes adverse side effects on normal cells. The combination of anti-cancer drugs and thymoquinone improves the efficacy of drugs which is evident by decrease resistance to drugs and regulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, combination of anti-cancer drugs as well as thymoquinone shows synergistic effect on killing of cancer cells and cells viability. Thus, TM, in combination with anti-cancer drugs, can be a good strategy in the management of various types of cancer.
Conclusion:
In this review article, we deliver an outline of thymoquinone role in cancer inhibition and prevention of cancer-based on in vivo and in vitro studies. Further studies on thymoquinone based on clinical trials are highly required to explore the benefits of thymoquinone in cancer management.
Insights
Thymoquinone (TM), a natural compound from Nigella sativa, shows promise in cancer treatment by enhancing conventional therapies and reducing side effects. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its benefits in cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with current treatments causing significant side effects.
- Natural products offer a safer, more affordable alternative for disease treatment and management.
- Thymoquinone (TM), derived from Nigella sativa, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of thymoquinone in cancer inhibition and prevention.
- To explore the potential of thymoquinone as an adjunct therapy in cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vivo and in vitro studies on thymoquinone's anti-cancer effects.
- Analysis of thymoquinone's mechanism of action, including regulation of genetic pathways (e.g., VEGF, p53, NF-kB).
- Examination of thymoquinone's impact on cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and progression.
Main Results:
- Thymoquinone demonstrates anti-neoplastic activity by regulating key cancer-related genetic pathways.
- TM effectively inhibits cancer cell initiation, migration, invasion, and progression.
- Combining thymoquinone with conventional anti-cancer drugs enhances treatment efficacy, reduces drug resistance, and exhibits synergistic effects on cancer cell death.
Conclusions:
- Thymoquinone shows significant potential in cancer inhibition and prevention.
- Combination therapy with thymoquinone and conventional drugs presents a promising strategy for cancer management.
- Further clinical trials are essential to fully elucidate the therapeutic benefits of thymoquinone in cancer patients.
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