Bromelain nanoparticles protect against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced skin carcinogenesis in mouse model

Bromelain Immobilized onto Clay-Carboxymethylcellulose Composites for Improving Nutritive Value of Soybean Meal

Improvement of nutritional value and reduction of antinutritional factors (ANFs) of soybean meal (SBM) for animal feed applications could be achieved by using bromelain immobilized onto bentonite (Bt)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) composites. The composite with mass ratio between CMC to calcium ion (Ca2+) at 1:20 provided the highest enzyme activity, immobilization yield higher than 95%, with superior thermal and storage stabilities. Performance of the immobilized bromelain for soybean protein hydrolysis was further studied. The results showed that at 60 °C, the immobilized bromelain exhibited the highest efficiency in enzymatic hydrolysis to release free alpha amino nitrogen (FAN) as a product with high selectivity and to effectively reduce SBM allergenic proteins within 30 min. In conclusion, immobilization of bromelain onto Bt-CMC composites leads to stability enhancement of the enzyme, enabling effective improvement in SBM quality in a short treatment time and showing great potential for application in animal feed industries.

Bromelain-loaded nanocomposites decrease inflammatory and cytotoxicity effects of gliadin on Caco-2 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of celiac patients

Enzyme therapy can be an appropriate treatment option for celiac disease (CeD). Here, we developed Bromelain-Loaded Nanocomposites (BLNCs) to improve the stability and retention of bromelain enzyme activity. After the characterization of BLNCs, the cytotoxicity of BLNCs was determined on the Caco-2 cell line. The effect of BLNCs on gliadin degradation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from celiac patients were assessed. Furthermore, the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 genes was measured in CaCo-2 cells treated with gliadin, gliadin-digested with BLNCs, and bromelain. Our study demonstrated that the Bromelain entrapment efficiency in these nanoparticles was acceptable, and BLNCs have no toxic effect on cells. SDS-PAGE confirmed the digestion effect of bromelain released from nanocomposites. When Caco-2 cells were treated with gliadin digested by free bromelain and BLNCs, the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 genes was significantly decreased. PBMCs of celiac patients treated with Bromelain and BLNCs decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) production compared to untreated PBMCs. This treatment also increased IL-10 and CTLA-4 in PBMCs of CeD patients. According to the promising results of this study, we can hope for the therapeutic potential of BLNCs for CeD.

Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Delivery System for Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as a therapeutic delivery system has expanded markedly over the past decade, particularly regarding applications targeting the skin. The delivery of NP-based therapeutics to the skin requires special consideration owing to its role as both a physical and immunologic barrier, and specific technologies must not only take into consideration the target but also the pathway of delivery. The unique challenge this poses has been met with the development of a wide panel of NP-based technologies meant to precisely address these considerations. In this review article, we describe the application of NP-based technologies for drug delivery targeting the skin, summarize the types of NPs, and discuss the current landscape of NPs for skin cancer prevention and skin cancer treatment as well as future directions within these applications.

Antiproliferative Effects of Methanolic Root Extracts of Eichhornia crassipes Against a Skin Melanoma Cell Line: An In Vitro Study

Background Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, accounting for 3% of all malignant cancers. Phytochemicals and their related compounds are found in various parts of the plant Eichhornia crassipes and have a variety of pharmacological actions. The current research was intended to compare and evaluate the anti-proliferative action of methanolic extracts of E. crassipes roots and petioles against the Sloan Kettering Melanoma (SK-Mel-5) cell line. Materials and methods The waters around Ezhikkara, Ernakulum, Kerala, were discovered to contain E. crassipes. We used a Soxhlet extractor to get this concentrated liquid. For this test, we employed a methanolic extract of roots and petioles to determine the extent to which different concentrations of the extract inhibited cell proliferation. Data on absorbance were reported as a mean standard deviation. Using Probit analysis, the IC₅₀ was calculated by evaluating the gradient of the regression line to get a value. Results Concentrations of methanolic root and petiole extracts of 12.5 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 200 µg/ml were analyzed. The methanol petiole extract reduced the viability of SK-Mel-5 cells more than the root extract, with IC₅₀ values of 323.59 µg/ml and 174.70 µg/ml of the test sample concentration, respectively. The regression equation for the root extract was y = -0.1264x + 90.902 and R² = 0.845, and for the petiole extract, it was y = -0.2187x + 88.206 and R² = 0.917. Conclusion The current study found that increasing the concentration of methanolic extracts of roots and petioles of E. crassipes exhibited an increased cell growth inhibition rate. However, methanolic petiole extracts were more cytotoxic than the roots. Thus, the current study demonstrated the therapeutic use of E. crassipes as an anticancer agent, thereby providing a valuable alternative for enabling the early management of melanoma.

Nanoparticles for Topical Application in the Treatment of Skin Dysfunctions-An Overview of Dermo-Cosmetic and Dermatological Products

Nanomaterials (NM) arouse interest in various fields of science and industry due to their composition-tunable properties and the ease of modification. They appear currently as components of many consumer products such as sunscreen, dressings, sports clothes, surface-cleaning agents, computer devices, paints, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetics formulations. The use of NPs in products for topical applications improves the permeation/penetration of the bioactive compounds into deeper layers of the skin, providing a depot effect with sustained drug release and specific cellular and subcellular targeting. Nanocarriers provide advances in dermatology and systemic treatments. Examples are a non-invasive method of vaccination, advanced diagnostic techniques, and transdermal drug delivery. The mechanism of action of NPs, efficiency of skin penetration, and potential threat to human health are still open and not fully explained. This review gives a brief outline of the latest nanotechnology achievements in products used in topical applications to prevent and treat skin diseases. We highlighted aspects such as the penetration of NPs through the skin (influence of physical-chemical properties of NPs, the experimental models for skin penetration, methods applied to improve the penetration of NPs through the skin, and methods applied to investigate the skin penetration by NPs). The review summarizes various therapies using NPs to diagnose and treat skin diseases (melanoma, acne, alopecia, vitiligo, psoriasis) and anti-aging and UV-protectant nano-cosmetics.

Active Biomolecules from Vegetable Extracts with Antitumoral Activity against Pancreas Cancer: A Systematic Review (2011-2021)

The emergence of resistance to pancreatic cancer (PC) current treatment requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this context, bioactive molecules from plant extracts have shown excellent properties to improve classical therapy against this type of tumor. This systematic review aims to collect all the in vitro studies related to the antiproliferative activity of isolated plant molecules that support their applicability in PC. A total of 620 articles published in the last 10 years were identified, although only 28 were finally included to meet the inclusion criteria. Our results reflect the most important biomolecules from natural compounds that induce cell death in PC and their essential mechanism of cell death, including apoptosis, pathways activated by the KRAS mutation and cycle cell arrest, among others. These in vitro studies provide an excellent molecule guide showing applications against PC and that should be tested in vivo and in clinical trials to determine their usefulness to reduce PC incidence and to improve the prognosis of these patients. However, natural compounds are isolated in small amounts, which prevents comprehensive drug screening, being necessary the role of organic synthesis for the total synthesis of natural compounds or for the synthesis of their simplified and bioactive analogs.

Biomimetic Nanoscale Materials for Skin Cancer Therapy and Detection

Skin cancer has developed as one of the most common types of cancer in the world, with a significant impact on public health impact and the economy. Nanotechnology methods for cancer treatment are appealing since they allow for the effective transport of medicines and other biologically active substances to specific tissues while minimizing harmful consequences. It is one of the most significant fields of research for treating skin cancer. Various nanomaterials have been employed in skin cancer therapy. The current review will summarize numerous methods of treating and diagnosing skin cancer in the earliest stages. There are numerous skin cancer indicators available for the prompt diagnosis of this type of disease. Traditional approaches to skin cancer diagnosis are explored, as are their shortcomings. Electrochemical and optical biosensors for skin cancer diagnosis and management were also discussed. Finally, various difficulties concerning the cost and ease of use of innovative methods should be addressed and overcome.

A comprehensive overview on the anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and ferroptosis functions of bromelain: an emerging cysteine protease

INTRODUCTION

Bromelain belongs to the cysteine protease endopeptidase class of enzymes isolated from the stem and fruit tissue component of Ananas comosus. The commercial and translational therapeutic potential of bromelain is ever increasing due to its augmented stability, easier purification, and salubrious pan-cancer effects.

AREAS COVERED

This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the isolation methods of bromelain, its safety, efficacy and tolerability. In addition, bromelains<apos;> role in eliciting pharmacological effects and its healing ability to mitigate cancer side effects based on accumulated in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence is relatively considerable.

EXPERT OPINION

Identification of molecular targets and crucial signalling pathways that bromelain regulates suggest it genuinely prospects for combating cancer and mitigation of chemotherapy or radiotherapy mediated side effects. Further research on the development of bromelain-entrapped drug delivery systems for augmented enzyme stability, processing ability and translational potential against cancer can be beneficial.

Does Bromelain-Cisplatin Combination Afford In-Vitro Synergistic Anticancer Effects on Human Prostatic Carcinoma Cell Line, PC3?

Background:

Bromelain enhances anticancer impacts to chemotherapeutic agents. The question as to whether bromelain does promote in-vitro cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of cisplatin on human prostatic carcinoma PC3 cell line was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

PC3 (human prostatic carcinoma) cells were treated either single or in combination with bromelain and/or cisplatin. MTT, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate cell viability, colony formation, proapoptotic potential and p53 gene expression, respectively.

Results:

Cisplatin (IC₁₀) combined with bromelain (IC₄₀) significantly affected PC3 cell viability, inhibited colony formation, as well increased p53 proapoptotic gene expression compared to cisplatin single treatment. Nevertheless, bromelain-cisplatin chemoherbal combination did not display any additive proapoptotic effect compared to single treatments.

Conclusion:

Bromelain-cisplatin chemoherbal combination demonstrated synergistic in-vitro anticancer effect on human prostatic carcinoma cell line, PC3, that drastically reduced required cisplatin dose.

Investigation the Effect of Encapsulated Bromelain Enzyme in Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background: Bromelain (BL) is an enzyme extracted from Ananas comosus, which has been known for its therapeutic properties. Objectives: The anticarcinogenic activity of BL was examined with and without the presence of magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. Methods: The operational factors affecting BL adsorption, such as contact time (30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 min), adsorbent dosage (1 g/L and 5 g/L), initial bromelain concentration (50, 150, and 300 mg/L), and temperature (35 and 50°C) were studied in details. Then, cancer cells were exposed to various BL concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL), and the cell viability was determined by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay after 24, 48, and 72 h. Results: The highest adsorption of BL on nanotubes was at 41.62 mg/L and achieved at 35°C and 90 min at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L and 1 g/L of MCNTs. The adsorption followed the Freundlich model and second-order kinetics. The results indicated that MCNTs could be a potential effective adsorbent for the removal of BL. Conclusions: MTT assay indicated that BL at a concentration of 100 μg/mL alone and in combination with MCNTs efficiently inhibited the HT-29 cancerous cells. However, encapsulated BL had a considerable advantage of slow delivery, which is favorable for cancer treatment.

Onion Extract Encapsulated on Nano Chitosan: a Promising Anticancer Agent

BACKGROUND

Onion (Allium cepa) is very rich in nutritional and pharmaceutical components, such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and phenols. Many recent researches approved its anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines. In this paper, we attempt to improve its anticancer activity with encapsulation on nano chitosan. On the best of our knowledge, this is considered the first study that tries to increase the anticancer activity of the onion extract on nano chitosan.

METHODS

An aqueous extract of the onion was prepared and the extract efficiency as anticancer agent was enhanced by encapsulating the extract on nano chitosan. The antioxidant capacity and the functional ingredients such as alkaloid, tannin, saponin, steroid, phenolic, and flavonoid in either the free or encapsulated one were estimated. Also, the anticancer activity of the two extracts was tested against different cell lines.

RESULTS

Encapsulation of the extract on chitosan nano particles decreased IC₅₀ in different cell lines and induced apoptosis through decreasing BCL-2 level and increasing caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity.

CONCLUSION

Onion extract encapsulated on nano chitosan can be used as protective agents from cancer, antitumor, or act synergistically with the cancer chemotherapy. This greatly participates in improving the use of natural products in cancer therapy instead of chemotherapy.

Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.

Cancer Chemoprevention Using Nanotechnology-Based Approaches

Cancer research in pursuit of better diagnostic and treatment modalities has seen great advances in recent years. However, the incidence rate of cancer is still very high. Almost 40% of women and men are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Such high incidence has not only resulted in high mortality but also severely compromised patient lifestyles, and added a great socioeconomic burden. In view of this, chemoprevention has gained wide attention as a method to reduce cancer incidence and its relapse after treatment. Among various stems of chemoprevention research, nanotechnology-based chemoprevention approaches have established their potential to offer better efficacy and safety. This review summarizes recent advances in nanotechnology-based chemoprevention strategies for various cancers with emphasis on lung and bronchial cancer, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer and highlights the unmet needs in this developing field towards successful clinical translation.

Fastidious Anatomization of Biota Procured Compounds on Cancer Drug Discovery

BACKGROUND

Natural products are the rootstock for identifying new drugs since ancient times. In comparison with synthetic drugs, they have abounding beneficial effects in bestowing protection against many diseases, including cancer. Cancer has been observed as a major threat in recent decades, and its prevalence is expected to increase over the next decades. Also, current treatment methods in cancer therapy such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy cause severe adverse side effects among the cancer population. Therefore, it is exigent to find a remedy without any side effects.

METHODS

In recent years, research has focused on obtaining naturally derived products to encounter this complication. The current pace of investigations, such as gene identification and advancement in combinatorial chemistry, leads to the aberrant access to a wide range of new synthetic drugs. In fact, natural products act as templates in structure predictions and synthesis of new compounds with enhanced biological activities.

RESULTS

Recent developments in genomics have established the importance of polymorphism, which implies that patients require different drugs for their treatment. This demands the discovery of a large number of drugs, but limited sources restrict the pharmaceutical industry to overcome these major obstacles. The use of natural products and their semisynthetic and synthetic analogues could alleviate these problems. However, the lack of standardization in terms of developing methods for evaluating the chemical composition, efficacy, isolation and international approval is still a major limitation in this field. In the past few years, several drug-approval authorities, including the FDA and WHO have allowed using these naturally derived compounds in humans.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we described the use of some natural products from plant and marine sources in cancer treatment and shed some light on semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds derived from natural sources used in cancer therapy.

Bromelain plus peroxidase reduces non-Hodgkin lymphoma progression in invivo via up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and modulating apoptotic protein expression

Aim: Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is a good source of bromelain (B) and also contain peroxidase. The objective of this study is isoaltion of bromelain plus peroxidase (BP) from the pineapple fruit to evaluate the anticancer activity of BP from the pineapple fruit of Tripura, compared to commercial bromelain against ascitic Dalton's lymphoma cells (DLA) in mice. Methods: By acetone precipitation BP was isolated from the pineapple. Animals bearing DLA, receive B and BP orally for 15 alternative days. Apoptotic proteins are assayed using western blot. Results: BP treated mice showed recover of hemoglobin and WBC count compared to control lymphoma animal. The animal showed significant reduction of body weight due to reduced tunor load and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, elevated levels of vitamin C and vitamin E and other antioxidants in blood after BP treatment. Histology of liver and kidney also shows restored architecture in BP treated animal compared to only B treated group. BP treatment upregulates the cytochrome C, BAD, and BAX protein and downregulates the Bcl-2 and NF-kβ occuring upon BP treatment in the DLA cells collected from lymphoma animal. This induce the apoptosis of DLA cells in lymphoma animal and reduce the tumor load. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that BP from pineapple improves the survival of the induced lymphoma animal compared to only B which may be used as therapeutic target.

Bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers prepared by electrospinning method for burn wound healing in animal models

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes present in all tissues of pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is known as an efficient debriding agent in burn treatment. In this study, the efficiency of bromelain-loaded chitosan nanofibers for burn wounds repair was investigated in animal model. Chitosan nanofibers containing bromelain (2% and 4% w/v) were prepared by electrospinning method. The physicochemical characteristics of the synthetized nanofibers were evaluated. The release profile and activity of bromelain loaded in nanofibers were also assayed. Cytotoxicity test was carried out using Alamar blue. The burn healing effect of chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber was studied in the induced burn wounds in rats for 21 days. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by reduction of burn wound area and histological characteristics at different times. Chitosan-2% w/v bromelain showed the better physicochemical properties and release profile as well as low cytotoxicity than chitosan-4% w/v bromelain. The results also indicated that chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber was more efficient to heal burn skin compared to chitosan nanofiber alone in the animal model tested. The present study concludes that chitosan-2% w/v bromelain nanofiber possesses great wound healing activity and could be considered as an effective natural topical burn wound healing treatment.

Bromelain effectively suppresses Kras-mutant colorectal cancer by stimulating ferroptosis

Here, we investigated the possible anti-cancer properties of bromelain in Kras mutant human colorectal carcinoma cell lines and a mouse model harboring a Kras mutation. Cell growth and proliferation were significantly reduced in the Kras mutant colorectal carcinoma cell lines following treatment with 50 μg/mL bromelain as assessed by crystal violet staining and a proliferation assay. To identify the molecules responsible for this action, the expression levels of genes involved in signaling pathways and miRNAs were analyzed by real-time PCR. Among the genes tested, down-regulation of ACSL-4 and up-regulation of miRNAs targeting ASCL-4 were observed in Caco₂ cells. Compared to the Kras wild-type colorectal carcinoma cell lines, Kras mutant colorectal carcinoma cell lines exhibited a remarkably up-regulated expression of ACSL-4, which is responsible for ferroptosis sensitivity. Moreover, the knockdown of ACSL-4 by a specific shRNA inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis in Kras mutant DLD-1 cells as assessed by propidium iodide staining and lipid reactive oxygen species measurement. Our findings indicate that bromelain effectively exerts cytotoxic effects in Kras mutant colorectal cancer cells compared to in Kras wild-type colorectal cancer cells. Differential expression of ACSL-4 is responsible for the differential action of bromelain in regulating ferroptotic cell death.

Pharmacotherapeutic approaches for transportation of anticancer agents via skin

Cancer is the largest family of diseases that involve abnormal uncontrolled cell growth which metastasizes to other parts of the body. The most common type of cancers includes lung, liver, colorectal, prostate, stomach, breast and cervical cancer with skin cancer excluding melanoma (contribute up to 40% of the cases). The conventional treatment approaches like surgery, chemotherapy, etc., have several side effects such as severe inflammation and pain. Hence, pharmacotherapeutic approaches of antineoplastic agents can be advantageous for treating various forms of cancer through the skin. Novel transdermal techniques and preparations have been emerged to overcome the limitations of skin and to penetrate inside the cancerous cells by transporting through the deeper tissues of the skin. The transdermal penetration of drugs using different formulations such as nanocarriers, physical penetration enhancement techniques, chemical penetration enhancers and newer technologies such as gels, dendrimers, needle-free injection jet etc., show improved patient compliance, abolition of scars and economic value. The topical delivery of antineoplastic agents is an attractive choice for increasing site-specific delivery, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic effects. The objective of this review is to present insights into pharmacotherapeutic techniques, which can be used for transdermal delivery of anticancer agents through skin due to its potential to create a new frontier in treatment of cancer.

Effects of curcumin on NF-κB, AP-1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in hepatitis B virus infection

Curcumin is a yellow-orange powder derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin has been used extensively in traditional medicine for centuries. This component is non-toxic and shown different therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasites, and anti-oxidant. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA member of the genus Orthohepadnavirus (Hepadnaviridae family) which is a highly contagious blood-borne viral pathogen. HBV infection is a major public health problem with 2 billion people infected throughout the world and 350 million suffering from chronic HBV infection. Increasing evidence indicated that curcumin as a natural product could be employed in the treatment of HBV patients. It has been showed that curcumin exerts its therapeutic effects on HBV patients via targeting a variety of cellular and molecular pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Ap1, STAT3, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling. Here, we summarized the therapeutic effects of curcumin on patients who infected with HBV. Moreover, we highlighted main signaling pathways (eg, NF-κB, AP1, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling) which affected by curcumin in HBV infections.

In vivo evaluation of antitumoral and antiangiogenic effect of imiquimod-loaded polymeric nanoparticles

The chemotherapeutic agent imiquimod (Imq) is used to treat skin cancers, the most common type of human cancer. However, the high incidence of local and systemic side effects associated with its use as well as its low skin permeation impair patient compliance and therapeutic effectiveness To overcome these limitations, nanostructured systems such as nanoparticles can be a promising alternative. Nanoparticles are submicron particles (size less than 1000 nm) with high surface area that facilitates the interaction and cellular uptake by biological membranes. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to evaluate antiangiogenic effect and antitumoral activity of imiquimod-loaded nanoparticles compared to market Imq formulation. Polymeric nanoparticles containing Imq were obtained by the technique of precipitation of preformed polymer. Antiangiogenic activity of the formulations was determined in chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and its chemopreventive potential was evaluate during multistage DMBA and croton oil model of skin carcinogenesis in mice. Nanoparticles containing Imq presented antiangiogenic activity superior than negative control, placebo dispersion and market Imq (p < 0.05) in the CAM model and also significantly reduced the number and size of papillomas compared to all other groups. These results suggest, therefore, that the obtained delivery system can be an alternative to treat diseases related to vessels formation and also potentially increase cutaneous permeation and efficacy of poor soluble drugs normally used to treat cutaneous diseases.

Bromelain-loaded nanoparticles: A comprehensive review of the state of the art

Stem bromelain is a common available cysteine protease derived from pineapple (Ananas comosus L.). Bromelain finds widespread applications in several areas, such as medicine, health, food, and cosmetics, and its strong proteolytic activity supports its future application in many additional fields. However, most proteins and/or enzymes are fragile, leading to important considerations about increase storage and operational stability to enable their practical application. In this scenario, the use of nanoparticles to deliver proteins is increasing exponentially, given that these systems are capable of enhance active's stability, solubility and permeability, and decrease toxicity. In the pharmaceutical nanotechnology field, bromelain has played different roles and thus this paper aims to review the available literature for the use of nanoparticles and bromelain.

Medicinal Plants: Their Use in Anticancer Treatment

Globally cancer is a disease which severely effects the human population. There is a constant demand for new therapies to treat and prevent this life-threatening disease. Scientific and research interest is drawing its attention towards naturally-derived compounds as they are considered to have less toxic side effects compared to current treatments such as chemotherapy. The Plant Kingdom produces naturally occurring secondary metabolites which are being investigated for their anticancer activities leading to the development of new clinical drugs. With the success of these compounds that have been developed into staple drugs for cancer treatment new technologies are emerging to develop the area further. New technologies include nanoparticles for nano-medicines which aim to enhance anticancer activities of plant-derived drugs by controlling the release of the compound and investigating new methods for administration. This review discusses the demand for naturally-derived compounds from medicinal plants and their properties which make them targets for potential anticancer treatments.