Xanthorrhizol, a potential anticancer agent, from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Xanthorrhizol (XTZ) is a sesquiterpenoid from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.
• Traditionally used for various ailments, XTZ possesses anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• XTZ demonstrates protective effects on multiple organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anticancer activities of Xanthorrhizol (XTZ).
• To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying XTZ's anticancer effects.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search in major databases.
• Keywords used: "tumor AND xanthorrhizol" or "cancer AND xanthorrhizol".
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Main Results:

• XTZ exhibits preventive and therapeutic effects against breast, cervical, colon, liver, lung, oral, esophageal, and skin cancers.
• XTZ modulates signaling pathways inhibiting carcinogenesis and proliferation.
• In vitro and in vivo studies show XTZ targets kinases, cytokines, apoptosis proteins, and transcription factors, suppressing angiogenesis and metastasis while promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions:

• XTZ demonstrates significant potential for anticancer benefits.
• Further in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate XTZ against diverse cancers.
• Future research should focus on XTZ's toxicity, bioavailability, and potential for treating cancer-related fatigue.