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Ginsenosides in cancer: A focus on the regulation of cell metabolism
1Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Metabolic alterations play a key role in promoting tumor initiation and progression, leading to extensive tumor heterogeneity and adaptability. Thus, targeting abnormal metabolic processes is a promising novel approach for cancer treatment. Numerous pharmacological studies have indicated that many traditional Chinese medicines possess remarkable antitumor activities. Ginsenosides, the main bioactive ingredients of Panax and other types of ginseng, exert beneficial antitumor effects, in addition to the anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, and anti-fatigue effects. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the regulation of cancer cell metabolism by ginsenosides. Here, we summarize the structural characteristics and classification of ginsenosides, their antitumor mechanisms, recent progress and the achievements of ginsenoside research in modulating cancer cell metabolism, including the diverse metabolic processes and their regulatory processes, as well as the opportunities and challenges of strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities. This review provides novel perspectives on the potential applications of ginsenosides that exert antitumor effects by reshaping cancer metabolism.
Insights
Ginsenosides, from traditional Chinese medicine, show potential in cancer treatment by targeting and reshaping cancer cell metabolism. This review explores their mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic pathways
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metabolic alterations are crucial in tumor initiation, progression, and heterogeneity.
- Targeting cancer metabolism offers a novel therapeutic strategy.
- Ginsenosides from traditional Chinese medicine exhibit significant antitumor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural characteristics and classification of ginsenosides.
- To summarize the antitumor mechanisms of ginsenosides, focusing on cancer cell metabolism.
- To highlight recent advancements and future prospects of ginsenosides in modulating cancer metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ginsenoside research.
- Analysis of ginsenoside structural properties and classification.
- Synthesis of findings on ginsenoside-mediated metabolic regulation in cancer.
Main Results:
- Ginsenosides possess diverse antitumor effects beyond anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation.
- Recent research demonstrates ginsenosides' capacity to modulate various cancer cell metabolic pathways.
- Understanding these metabolic regulations reveals potential therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenosides represent a promising class of compounds for cancer therapy by targeting metabolic vulnerabilities.
- Reshaping cancer metabolism through ginsenosides offers novel treatment perspectives.
- Further research is needed to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of ginsenosides in oncology.
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