Advances in Molecular Regulation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Top Natural Products of Malaysia

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) presents a significant global health burden and scientific challenge.
• Most PCa cases are preventable, suggesting a role for chemoprevention through phytochemicals and nutritional interventions.
• Malaysia's rich biodiversity, including numerous medicinal plants, offers potential for novel cancer drug discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review molecular targets driving current prostate cancer drug discovery.
• To explore the potential of prioritized Malaysian medicinal plants as sustainable sources for PCa chemotherapy.
• To investigate the role of phytochemicals in PCa chemoprevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of molecular targets in PCa drug discovery.
• Analysis of Malaysian government-prioritized medicinal plants for anticancer properties.
• Examination of phytochemical compounds and their mechanisms against PCa cells.

Main Results:

• Identified key molecular targets including Smac/DIABLO and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
• Highlighted ten Malaysian plants with potential for PCa chemotherapy: Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Clinacanthus nutans, Eurycoma longifolia, Ficus deltoidea, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Marantodes pumilum, Morinda citrifolia, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Phyllanthus niruri.
• Noted promising compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and alkylresorcinols regulating PCa cells.

Conclusions:

• Malaysian medicinal plants represent a promising, sustainable resource for developing novel prostate cancer chemotherapies.
• Phytochemicals offer a viable strategy for PCa chemoprevention and treatment, complementing conventional therapies.
• Further research into these botanicals can unlock new avenues for combating prostate cancer globally.