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Updated: Nov 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Tracing the Ferroptotic Signatures and Cell Death Dynamics in Medulloblastoma for Advanced Therapeutics
Published on: March 15, 2024
Application of natural products for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells
Zhengxin Wu1, Mengya Zhong2,3, Yu Liu2,3
1School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death pathway based on the deposition of lipid-based reactive oxygen species (L-ROS) in the presence of iron ions. The term was first coined in 2012 by Dixon. Decreased glutathione (GSH) synthesis and low glutathione-dependent antioxidant peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity are the major causes of ferroptosis. Sensitivity to ferroptosis for example in tumor cells may be further enhanced by high cellular iron concentrations and/or high p53 levels. Therefore, driving ferroptosis in tumor cells could be a new way to treat tumors. Thus far, natural products have played considerable roles in antitumor research and treatment, and some drugs, such as paclitaxel, have proven beneficial in many cancer patients. According to current research, natural products can induce ferroptosis when used alone or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. This review mainly elaborates the main mechanism of ferroptosis and the regulating effects of some natural products on ferroptosis, aiming to create a new space for the research and development of novel anticancer drugs.
Insights
Ferroptosis, a cell death pathway driven by iron and lipid-ROS, can be induced by natural products. This offers a promising new avenue for developing novel anti-cancer drugs targeting tumor cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.
- Key factors include decreased glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-dependent antioxidant peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity.
- Tumor cell sensitivity to ferroptosis can be increased by high iron or p53 levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental mechanisms of ferroptosis.
- To explore the role of natural products in regulating ferroptosis.
- To identify potential for novel anti-cancer drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ferroptosis mechanisms.
- Analysis of natural products' effects on ferroptosis.
- Synthesis of current research on natural products and cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Natural products can induce ferroptosis, either alone or in combination with other therapies.
- Understanding ferroptosis mechanisms aids in targeted cancer treatment strategies.
- Natural products show potential as a source for new anti-cancer agents.
Conclusions:
- Ferroptosis induction represents a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
- Natural products offer a promising platform for developing ferroptosis-inducing anti-cancer drugs.
- Further research into natural products can expand therapeutic options for cancer.
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