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An Updated Review of Molecular Mechanisms Implicated with the Anticancer Potential of Diosgenin and Its
Pratibha Pandey1,2, Seema Ramniwas3, Lalji Baldaniya4
1Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.
Abstract:
Dietary components have gained broader recognition in preventing and managing numerous human carcinomas. Plant-derived natural compounds offer several benefits, including their limited toxicity and multi-targeted agents in modulating deregulated oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, NF-κB/STAT3, and HIF-1α, and hence, they emerged as better chemotherapeutic alternatives. Diosgenin (phytosteroidal saponin) and its nanoformulations have been extensively reported to impact cancer progression and metastasis. Research has indicated that diosgenin and its nanoformulations possess significant anticancer potential with improved bioavailability. However, novelty of this review relies on compiling the updated anticancer role of diosgenin and its nanoformulations in modulating numerous oncogenic targets associated with carcinogenesis and metastasis. Diosgenin has also been utilized with traditional therapies to enhance the sensitivity of cancerous cells towards normal chemotherapeutic processes. More focus should be given to gain detailed insights about the mechanisms associated with the anticancer potential of diosgenin and its nanoformulations, which can further potentiate its candidature in developing efficient cancer therapies. However, more preclinical studies are warranted to exploit the anticancer efficacy of this plant-based compound in an efficient manner.
Insights
Diosgenin, a plant-derived compound, shows significant anticancer potential by targeting key pathways involved in cancer. Its nanoformulations enhance bioavailability and effectiveness, offering promising alternatives for cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Dietary components are increasingly recognized for cancer prevention and management.
- Plant-derived natural compounds offer low toxicity and multi-targeted anticancer mechanisms.
- Diosgenin, a phytosteroidal saponin, and its nanoformulations are noted for impacting cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile the updated anticancer role of diosgenin and its nanoformulations.
- To highlight their modulation of oncogenic pathways like PI3K/AKT, NF-κB/STAT3, and HIF-1α.
- To explore diosgenin's potential in enhancing traditional chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diosgenin and its nanoformulations in cancer research.
- Analysis of studies detailing diosgenin's impact on specific oncogenic pathways.
- Examination of diosgenin's synergistic effects with conventional therapies.
Main Results:
- Diosgenin and its nanoformulations demonstrate significant anticancer potential.
- These compounds modulate critical oncogenic pathways involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis.
- Diosgenin can enhance cancer cell sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Diosgenin and its nanoformulations represent promising candidates for novel cancer therapies.
- Further research into their precise mechanisms is needed to optimize their therapeutic application.
- Preclinical studies are essential to fully exploit the anticancer efficacy of this plant-derived compound.
