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Natural Plant Bioactives as Regulators of Histone Modifications: Bridging Epigenetics and Anticancer Therapy

Mengxiao Wang1, Junyi Liang1, Xinping Zhu1

  • 1Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.

Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Natural plant compounds can modify cancer cell epigenetics, specifically histone modifications, to combat tumor growth and metastasis. This research explores how these compounds reshape the tumor microenvironment for novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Cancer presents significant challenges due to tumor heterogeneity, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance.
  • Conventional cancer therapies face limitations in toxicity and efficacy.
  • Epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications, is crucial in cancer progression and offers therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances on how natural products modulate histone modifications in cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which plant-derived compounds influence cancer progression and the tumor immune microenvironment.
  • To propose a framework linking natural compounds, epigenetic regulation, and tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of recent advances.
  • Integration of knowledge on histone marks, modifying enzymes, and signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of natural product action on cancer epigenetics.

Main Results:

  • Natural plant compounds act as potent modulators of histone modifications (e.g., methylation, acetylation, lactylation).
  • These compounds influence tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment.
  • A unified framework is proposed linking natural compounds, epigenetic regulation, and cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Plant bioactive compounds can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment via histone modification.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can lead to the development of novel, safer, and more effective anticancer agents.
  • Natural products represent a promising avenue for cancer therapy by targeting epigenetic mechanisms.

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