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Molecular mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in female-prevalent cancers
Hao Li1, Meiqi Jiang1, Yaqing Fan1
1School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
Background:
Cancer remains a critical global health threat, significantly compromising women's health and survival rates worldwide. However, most current chemotherapy drugs are often limited in clinical application due to their substantial side effects. Therefore, there is a pressing demand for the discovery and development of novel drugs. Given their low toxicity and multifaceted bioactivities, natural polysaccharides have emerged as promising anticancer candidates, attracting considerable research attention for their therapeutic potential.
Purpose:
This comprehensive review synthesized the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of various polysaccharides. This review aims to consolidate fragmented evidence and bridge existing knowledge gaps, while providing a scientific basis for the clinical utility of bioactive polysaccharides in treating common female-specific tumors.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest, as well as publisher databases (Elsevier, ACS, RSC, Springer) up to April 2025 using predefined keywords.
Results:
This study reviewed 179 articles published between 2010 and 2025, covering 81 polysaccharides obtained from 75 natural products. Among these publications, 48 were based on in vivo studies and 99 on in vitro studies. The molecular weight of the polysaccharides was reported in 25 articles, while monosaccharide composition was analyzed in 36 articles. Systematic analysis revealed that these polysaccharides exert therapeutic effects on common female cancers through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle progression, enhancing immune surveillance, and modulating gut microbiota. Key signaling pathways involved include PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, TNF-α, and MAPK, among others.
Conclusion:
The review highlights the potential of natural polysaccharides as anticancer resources, because they can modulate key cellular signaling pathways, which are critical for advancing targeted therapies against common tumors in women. Elucidating these antitumor mechanisms not only reveals therapeutic potentials but also facilitates innovative treatment strategies.
Insights
Natural polysaccharides show promise as anticancer agents for women's cancers. They work through multiple mechanisms, offering a low-toxicity alternative to conventional chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, particularly for women.
- Current chemotherapy drugs have limitations due to severe side effects.
- Natural polysaccharides offer a low-toxicity, bioactive alternative for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides.
- To consolidate evidence on polysaccharides for treating female-specific cancers.
- To provide a scientific basis for their clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest).
- Inclusion of studies published up to April 2025.
- Analysis of 179 articles focusing on 81 polysaccharides from 75 natural products.
Main Results:
- Polysaccharides demonstrated therapeutic effects on female cancers via multiple mechanisms.
- Key mechanisms include inhibiting proliferation, metastasis, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and immune modulation.
- Involved signaling pathways include PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, TNF-α, and MAPK.
Conclusions:
- Natural polysaccharides are valuable anticancer resources.
- They modulate key cellular signaling pathways for targeted cancer therapy.
- Elucidating mechanisms facilitates innovative treatment strategies for women's cancers.
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