Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Natural Product-Based Studies for the Management of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Computational to Clinical
Rajeev K Singla1,2, Pooja Sharma3,4, Ankit Kumar Dubey5
1Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Background: With prostate cancer being the fifth-greatest cause of cancer mortality in 2020, there is a dire need to expand the available treatment options. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progresses despite androgen depletion therapy. The mechanisms of resistance are yet to be fully discovered. However, it is hypothesized that androgens depletion enables androgen-independent cells to proliferate and recolonize the tumor. Objectives: Natural bioactive compounds from edible plants and herbal remedies might potentially address this need. This review compiles the available cheminformatics-based studies and the translational studies regarding the use of natural products to manage CRPC. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar searches for preclinical studies were performed, while ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed were searched for clinical updates. Studies that were not in English and not available as full text were excluded. The period of literature covered was from 1985 to the present. Results and Conclusion: Our analysis suggested that natural compounds exert beneficial effects due to their broad-spectrum molecular disease-associated targets. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed several bioactive compounds, including rutaecarpine, berberine, curcumin, other flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, and steroid-based phytochemicals. Molecular modeling tools, including machine and deep learning, have made the analysis more comprehensive. Preclinical and clinical studies on resveratrol, soy isoflavone, lycopene, quercetin, and gossypol have further validated the translational potential of the natural products in the management of prostate cancer.
Insights
Natural compounds show promise for treating castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Research highlights bioactive compounds like curcumin and resveratrol, offering new therapeutic avenues for advanced prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cheminformatics
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) posing a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Mechanisms of CRPC progression, including androgen-independent cell proliferation, require further elucidation.
- Existing treatments for advanced prostate cancer have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural bioactive compounds from edible plants and herbal remedies for managing CRPC.
- To compile cheminformatics-based and translational studies on natural products in prostate cancer treatment.
- To explore the potential of natural products as complementary or alternative therapies for CRPC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar for preclinical studies.
- Searched ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed for clinical trial updates.
- Included English full-text studies from 1985 to the present, excluding non-English and unavailable full texts.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds exhibit broad-spectrum activity against molecular targets associated with prostate cancer.
- Identified bioactive compounds include rutaecarpine, berberine, curcumin, flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, and steroid-based phytochemicals.
- Machine learning and deep learning tools enhanced the analysis of molecular modeling data.
Conclusions:
- Natural products demonstrate significant potential in managing prostate cancer, including CRPC.
- Preclinical and clinical evidence supports the efficacy of compounds like resveratrol, soy isoflavone, lycopene, quercetin, and gossypol.
- Further research into natural compounds offers promising avenues for novel prostate cancer therapies.
