Amplification and over-expression of the AIB1 nuclear receptor co-activator gene in primary gastric cancers

Progress in understanding mechanisms behind anti-tumor effects of gambogic acid

Gambogic acid, a major active component of gamboge resin extracted from Garcinia hanburyi tree, has potent anti-tumor activities. Based on domestic and foreign literature, we speculate that the anti-tumor activities of gambogic acid might be mediated via different mechanisms, including inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, inhibiting the activity of telomerase or topoisomerase, reducing tumor cell invasion, adhesion and migration, and reversal of tumor multidrug resistance (MDR). In this paper, we review the mechanisms behind the anti-tumor effects of gambogic acid, with an aim to provide some new clues to the development of anti-tumor drugs.