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Research Progress on Chinese Herbal Medicine Components Targeting Ferroptosis for Cancer Therapy
Nanhao Zhou1, Yuansheng Zhang1, Chenyu Wang1
1Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
Abstract:
Recent studies indicate that ferroptosis shows unique advantages in oncotherapy, particularly in reversing multidrug resistance (MDR). Despite current therapeutic advancements, the treatment of high-incidence malignancies with dismal prognoses continues to face challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, significant side effects, and drug resistance. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has gained increasing attention in anti-tumor therapy. CHM bioactive components are highly effective in inducing tumor cell ferroptosis, inhibiting tumor proliferation and migration, and reversing drug resistance. Additionally, some components can protect normal cells and improve the tumor microenvironment. This review systematically summarizes the regulatory roles of various CHM bioactive components in ferroptosis across common human cancers. We further analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on the modulation of key regulatory targets (e.g., GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2) and critical signaling cascades (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53). Furthermore, the differential effects of bioactive compounds from CHM on common tumors were evaluated, alongside their potential in combination therapy. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the development of novel anticancer drugs targeting ferroptosis regulation and offers new perspectives for the clinical application of CHM in oncology.
Insights
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) components can induce ferroptosis, a cell death pathway, to fight cancer and overcome drug resistance. This review explores CHM
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer therapy faces challenges like drug resistance and side effects.
- Ferroptosis, a unique cell death, shows promise in cancer treatment, especially for multidrug resistance (MDR).
- Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is emerging as a potent anti-tumor strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review CHM bioactive components' roles in regulating ferroptosis in common human cancers.
- To analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying CHM's ferroptosis-inducing effects.
- To evaluate CHM compounds' potential in combination cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of CHM bioactive components and ferroptosis.
- Analysis of molecular targets (GPX4, SLC7A11, Nrf2) and signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR, p53).
- Evaluation of CHM's efficacy in various cancers and combination therapy potential.
Main Results:
- CHM bioactive components effectively induce tumor cell ferroptosis, inhibit proliferation and migration, and reverse drug resistance.
- CHM components modulate key ferroptosis regulators like GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2 via pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53.
- CHM shows potential in protecting normal cells and improving the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- CHM bioactive components offer a promising avenue for novel anti-cancer drug development targeting ferroptosis.
- CHM presents new perspectives for clinical oncology, particularly in overcoming drug resistance and improving treatment efficacy.
- Further research into CHM's mechanisms can enhance its application in cancer therapy.
