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Natural products modulating interleukins and other inflammatory mediators in tumor-bearing animals: A systematic
Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi1, Poovathumkal James Antony2, Maria Júlia Miranda de Paula Lana3
1Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Prof. João Cardoso Nascimento Campus, Aracaju, Sergipe 49060-108, Brazil.
Background:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and proliferation. Natural products are a potentially important source for bioactive phytochemicals in the management of cancer, which regulate a broad range of biological events via the modulation of interleukins (ILs), pro- and anti-inflammatory modulators, and other cancer hallmark-mediated signaling pathways.
Purpose:
To systematically review the literature to identify in vivo studies investigating the anticancer properties of medicinal plants and natural molecules as modulators of ILs and their related pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling markers in tumor-bearing animals.
Methods:
Articles published in English were searched, without any constraint in respect of countries. The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were used for the literature search for studies published between January 2010 and January 2022. The search terms used included medicinal plants, anticancer, antineoplasic agent, ILs, cytokine, and their combinations. A manual search to detect any articles not found in the databases was also made. The identified studies were then critically reviewed and relevant data were extracted and summarized.
Results:
Natural products were found to modulate ILs, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-12, and interferon gamma; increase tissue inhibitor metalloprotease; decrease vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and nuclear factor kappa B; augment immunity by increasing the major histocompatibility complexes II and CD4+, cluster of differentiation 8 + T cell and class II trans-activator expression; and heighten the action of antioxidant enzymes, which are involved in the detoxification of free radicals and reactive oxygen species.
Conclusion:
Natural products discussed in this review show great potential to regulate ILs and weaken associated pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling markers in tumor-bearing animals. Flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids and tannins are important phytochemicals in the modulation of ILs, especially pro-inflammatory ones. However, in terms of future research, the importance of clinical trials to investigate their beneficial properties should be warranted.
Insights
Natural products show promise in cancer management by modulating interleukins (ILs) and related inflammatory pathways. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the anticancer benefits of these natural compounds.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
- Natural products offer bioactive compounds for cancer management.
- These compounds modulate biological events, including interleukins (ILs) and inflammatory pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review in vivo studies on medicinal plants and natural molecules.
- To investigate their role in modulating ILs and inflammatory markers in tumor-bearing animals.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (Jan 2010-Jan 2022).
- Search terms included medicinal plants, anticancer, ILs, and cytokines.
- Manual search and critical review of identified articles.
Main Results:
- Natural products modulate various ILs (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12) and interferon gamma.
- They affect key cancer-related molecules like TNF-α, VEGF, and NF-κB.
- Immune augmentation and enhanced antioxidant activity were observed.
Conclusions:
- Natural products demonstrate significant potential in regulating ILs and associated inflammatory markers.
- Phytochemicals like flavonoids and polyphenols are key modulators, especially of pro-inflammatory ILs.
- Clinical trials are warranted to validate these anticancer properties.
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