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Published on: August 25, 2022
Potential of natural products as radioprotectors and radiosensitizers: opportunities and challenges
Juanjuan Yi1, Jiaqing Zhu1, Changcheng Zhao1
1School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. ljk002004@163.com.
Abstract:
Natural products can be used as natural radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, showing promising effects in cancer treatments in combination with radiotherapy, while reducing ionizing radiation (IR) damage to normal cells/tissues. The different effects of natural products on irradiated normal and tumor cells/tissues have attracted more and more researchers' interest. Nonetheless, the clinical applications of natural products in radiotherapy are few, which may be related to their low bioavailability in the human body. Here, we displayed the radiation protection and radiation sensitization of major natural products, highlighted the related molecular mechanisms of these bioactive substances combined with radiotherapy to treat cancer, and critically reviewed their deficiency and improved measures. Lastly, several clinical trials were presented to verify the clinical application of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors. Further clinical evaluation is still needed. This review provides a reference for the utilization of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors.
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