Anticancer Potential of Thymoquinone: A Novel Bioactive Natural Compound from Nigella sativa L

Area of Science:

• Natural product chemistry
• Molecular oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer, characterized by uncontrolled cell division, is a leading cause of death, with rising incidence due to drug resistance.
• Natural products offer a rich source of novel therapeutic compounds for cancer treatment.
• Thymoquinone (TQ) from Nigella sativa L. has emerged as a compound with significant anticancer properties.

Approach:

• This review details the chemical properties and sources of thymoquinone.
• It explores the molecular mechanisms underlying TQ's anticancer effects.
• The review highlights TQ's action on various molecular targets relevant to cancer.

Key Points:

• Thymoquinone induces apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle in cancer cells.
• It generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to its cytotoxic effects.
• TQ targets multiple kinases, including tyrosine kinase, MAPK, and Janus kinase, crucial in cancer signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

• Thymoquinone demonstrates broad-spectrum anticancer potential through diverse molecular mechanisms.
• Its natural origin and multifaceted action make it a promising candidate for novel cancer therapies.
• Further research into thymoquinone could lead to effective treatments against drug-resistant cancers.