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Targeting Skin Cancer with Natural Bioactive Compounds: From Molecular Mechanisms to Application Strategies

Yuan Gao1, Zesen Fang1, Yan Xu1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Engineering Research Center of Natural Antineoplastic Drugs, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Natural compounds show promise for preventing and treating skin cancer by targeting multiple pathways. These agents offer a synergistic approach to combat skin carcinogenesis and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Skin cancer incidence is rising globally, posing a significant health challenge.
  • Current therapies face limitations due to side effects and drug resistance.
  • Natural products offer a historical and promising avenue for novel skin cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of natural bioactive compounds in skin cancer prevention and treatment.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action for these compounds.
  • To discuss delivery strategies and translational challenges for natural product-based therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of natural bioactive compounds and their anti-skin cancer effects.
  • Summary of molecular mechanisms including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, and anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities.
  • Analysis of biological barriers and delivery strategies for natural products in skin cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Natural bioactive compounds demonstrate multi-targeted effects against skin cancer.
  • Mechanisms include apoptosis induction, proliferation/metastasis inhibition, and DNA repair.
  • Photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties contribute to efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Natural bioactive compounds present a promising, multi-targeted strategy against skin carcinogenesis.
  • They hold potential as adjuvant therapies and chemopreventive agents.
  • Addressing biological barriers and delivery is key for clinical translation.
Keywords:
antioxidantapoptosisnatural productsphotoprotectionskin cancer

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