Advances in plant polysaccharides in cancer therapy targeting ferroptosis

Cancer is a global health public issue with an increasing morbidity and mortality. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, providing a novel and promising strategy for cancer treatment. Plant polysaccharides possess low toxicity, minimal side effects, and significant therapeutic potential, particularly in antioxidation, immune regulation, and cancer suppression. However, it is unknown that whether and how ferroptosis is involved in the anticancer effects of plant polysaccharides. Occurrence of ferroptosis in cancer cells involves with several cell events including disturbed iron metabolism, overwhelmed lipid metabolism, and disordered antioxidant defense, which is fatal to cancer cells. Recent studies have showed that plant polysaccharides play significant roles in cancer treatment with activities in ferroptosis regulation through inhibiting cancer growth, enhancing treatment sensitivity, reducing drug resistance, strengthening immune function. This review presents the current understanding of polysaccharides regulation in cancer treatment targeting ferroptosis, and also address the limitation and future direction of polysaccharide application regarding cancer treatment via ferroptosis. These findings would contribute to advancing cancer therapy.