Induction of monoamine oxidase A-mediated oxidative stress and impairment of NRF2-antioxidant defence response by polyphenol-rich fraction of Bergenia ligulata sensitizes prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Unleashing the Potential of Nrf2: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling

Pulmonary vascular remodeling, characterized by the thickening of all three layers of the blood vessel wall, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite the approval of several drugs for PH treatment, their long-term therapeutic effect remains unsatisfactory, as they mainly focus on vasodilation rather than addressing vascular remodeling. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of PH. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a vital transcription factor that regulates endogenous antioxidant defense and emerges as a novel regulator of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Growing evidence has suggested an involvement of Nrf2 and its downstream transcriptional target in the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Pharmacologically targeting Nrf2 has demonstrated beneficial effects in various diseases, and several Nrf2 inducers are currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the exact potential and mechanism of Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in PH remain unknown. Thus, this review article aims to comprehensively explore the role and mechanism of Nrf2 in pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with PH. Additionally, we provide a summary of Nrf2 inducers that have shown therapeutic potential in addressing the underlying vascular remodeling processes in PH. Although Nrf2-related therapies hold great promise, further research is necessary before their clinical implementation can be fully realized.

Himalayan flora: targeting various molecular pathways in lung cancer

The fatal amplification of lung cancer across the globe and the limitations of current treatment strategies emphasize the necessity for substitute therapeutics. The incorporation of phyto-derived components in chemo treatment holds promise in addressing those challenges. Despite the significant progressions in lung cancer therapeutics, the complexities of molecular mechanism and pathways underlying this disease remain inadequately understood, necessitating novel biomarker targeting. The Himalayas, abundant in diverse plant varieties with established chemotherapeutic potential, presents a promising avenue for investigating potential cures for lung carcinoma. The vast diversity of phytocompounds herein can be explored for targeting the disease. This review delves into the multifaceted targets of lung cancer and explores the established phytochemicals with their specific molecular targets. It emphasizes comprehending the intricate pathways that govern effective therapeutic interventions for lung cancer. Through this exploration of Himalayan flora, this review seeks to illuminate potential breakthroughs in lung cancer management using natural compounds. The amalgamation of Himalayan plant-derived compounds with cautiously designed combined therapeutic approaches such as nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery and synergistic therapy offers an opportunity to redefine the boundaries of lung cancer treatment by reducing the drug resistance and side effects and enabling an effective targeted delivery of drugs. Furthermore, additional studies are obligatory to understand the possible derivation of natural compounds used in current lung cancer treatment from plant species within the Himalayan region.

Anticancer effect of polyphenolic acid enriched fractions from Grewia bracteata Roth on tumor cells and their p53 gene independent ROS mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells

It is the first report on leaves of Grewia bracteata Roth for its anticancer effect. In this study, three polarity-guided solvent extracts of Grewia bracteata leaves from n-hexane (GLH), ethyl acetate (GLE), and methanol (GLM) were screened for anticancer effects on HeLa, HCT-116, MCF-7, HCT-116 p53-/- and PC-3 cells via methyl thiazoldiphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Based on the results, GLM was fractionated, and the obtained fractions were tested on HCT-116 cells. Further, FT-IR, HPLC analysis, clonogenic assay, wound healing assay, DCFDA, and cell cycle experiments were conducted on HCT-116 cells. The extracts from methanol (GLM) and ethyl-acetate (GLE) demonstrated a more selective and promising inhibition on HCT-116 cells than others. Notably, GLM recorded superior inhibition on HCT-116 p53-/- than GLE. Amongst, the methanol column fraction (GMCF) showed prominent inhibition on HCT-116 (IC50:63.55 ± 0.61 μg/ml) and HCT-116 p53-/- (IC50: 84.51 ± 0.58 μg/ml) cells. Further, the test on normal cells (NKE) revealed minimal toxicity of GMCF. The phytochemical test, FT-IR, HPLC, and LC-HRMS analyses confirmed the high abundance of polyphenolic acid/polyphenols in GMCF. Further, the clonogenic and wound healing assays on HCT-116 cells were also performed. Later, the probable cell death mechanism was identified using DCFDA and cell cycle experiments. These experiments disclosed that GMCF induced HCT-116 cell death was probably due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) upregulation and cells cycle arrest at SubG0 phase. It inferred that the activity is most probably p53 independent, a tumor suppressor gene responsible for drug resistance in colon cancer.

Uncovering the Secrets of Prostate Cancer's Radiotherapy Resistance: Advances in Mechanism Research

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a critical global public health issue with its incidence on the rise. Radiation therapy holds a primary role in PCa treatment; however, radiation resistance has become increasingly challenging as we uncover more about PCa's pathogenesis. Our review aims to investigate the multifaceted mechanisms underlying radiation therapy resistance in PCa. Specifically, we will examine how various factors, such as cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, hypoxic conditions, oxidative stress, testosterone levels, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor stem cells, contribute to radiation therapy resistance. By exploring these mechanisms, we hope to offer new insights and directions towards overcoming the challenges of radiation therapy resistance in PCa. This can also provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of novel ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy in the era of PCa.

Role of Natural and Synthetic Compounds in Modulating NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Prostate cancer can be treated by surgery or active surveillance when early diagnosed but, when diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage, radiation therapy or androgen-deprivation therapy is needed to reduce cancer progression. However, both of these therapies can cause prostate cancer resistance to treatment. Several studies demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in cancer occurrence, development, progression and treatment resistance. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/KEAP1 (Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1) pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NRF2 activation can determine cell fate. In particular, toxic levels of ROS lead physiological cell death and cell tumor suppression, while lower ROS levels are associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. On the contrary, a high level of NRF2 promotes cell survival related to cancer progression activating an adaptive antioxidant response. In this review, we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway in prostate cancer.

Phenolic compounds as Nrf2 inhibitors: potential applications in cancer therapy

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and involves an oxidative stress mechanism. The transcription factor Nrf2 has a crucial role in cytoprotective response against oxidative stress, including cancer growth and progression and therapy resistance. For this reason, inhibitors of Nrf2 are new targets to be studied. Traditional plant-based remedies rich in phytochemicals have been used against human cancers and phenolic compounds are known for their chemopreventive properties. This comprehensive review offers an updated review of the role of phenolic compounds as anticancer agents due to their action on Nrf2 inhibition. In addition, the role of naturally-occurring bioactive anticancer agents are covered in the clinical applications of polyphenols as Nrf2 inhibitors. Video Abstract.

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation supplemented with curcumin improves the outcomes of ischemic stroke via AKT/GSK-3β/β-TrCP/Nrf2 axis

BACKGROUND

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) engraftment is a promising therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the harsh ischemic microenvironment limits the therapeutic efficacy of hUC-MSC therapy. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent that could improve inflammatory microenvironment. However, whether it enhances the neuroprotective efficacy of hUC-MSC transplantation is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy and the possible mechanism of combined curcumin and hUC-MSC treatment in AIS.

METHODS

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) microglia were administrated hUC-MSCs with or without curcumin. Neurological deficits assessment, brain water content and TTC were used to assess the therapeutic effects of combined treatment. To elucidate the mechanism, MCAO mice and OGD microglia were treated with AKT inhibitor MK2206, GSK3β activator sodium nitroprusside (SNP), GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 and Nrf2 gene knockout were used. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometric analysis, WB and RT-PCR were used to evaluate the microglia polarization and the expression of typical oxidative mediators, inflammatory cytokines and the AKT/GSK-3β/β-TrCP/Nrf2 pathway protein.

RESULTS

Compared with the solo hUC-MSC-grafted or curcumin groups, combined curcumin-hUC-MSC therapy significantly improved the functional performance outcomes, diminished the infarct volumes and the cerebral edema. The combined treatment promoted anti-inflammatory microglia polarization via Nrf2 pathway and decreased the expression of ROS, oxidative mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while elevating the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines. Nrf2 knockout abolished the antioxidant stress and anti-inflammation effects mediated with combined treatment. Moreover, the combined treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β, inhibited the β-TrCP nucleus translocation, accompanied with Nrf2 activation in the nucleus. AKT inhibitor MK2206 activated GSK3β and β-TrCP and suppressed Nrf2 phosphorylation in nucleus, whereas MK2206 with the GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 reversed these phenomena. Furthermore, combined treatment followed by GSK3β inhibition with TDZD-8 restricted β-TrCP nucleus accumulation, which facilitated Nrf2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that combined curcumin-hUC-MSC therapy exerts anti-inflammation and antioxidant stress efficacy mediated by anti-inflammatory microglia polarization via AKT/GSK-3β/β-TrCP/Nrf2 axis and an improved neurological function after AIS.

IL-13 and the hydroperoxy fatty acid 13(S)HpODE play crucial role in inducing an apoptotic pathway in cancer cells involving MAO-A/ROS/p53/p21 signaling axis

This study depicted the effect of IL-13 and 13(S)HpODE (the endogenous product during IL-13 activation) in the process of cancer cell apoptosis. We examined the role of both IL-13 and 13(S)HpODE in mediating apoptotic pathway in three different in vitro cellular models namely A549 lung cancer, HCT116 colorectal cancer and CCF52 GBM cells. Our data showed that IL-13 promotes apoptosis of A549 lung carcinoma cells through the involvement of 15-LO, PPARγ and MAO-A. Our observations demonstrated that IL-13/13(S)HpODE stimulate MAO-A-mediated intracellular ROS production and p53 as well as p21 induction which play a crucial role in IL-13-stimulated A549 cell apoptosis. We further showed that 13(S)HpODE promotes apoptosis of HCT116 and CCF52 cells through the up-regulation of p53 and p21 expression. Our data delineated that IL-13 stimulates p53 and p21 induction which is mediated through 15-LO and MAO-A in A549 cells. In addition, we observed that PPARγ plays a vital role in apoptosis as well as in p53 and p21 expression in A549 cells in the presence of IL-13. We validated our observations in case of an in vivo colon cancer tumorigenic study using syngeneic mice model and demonstrated that 13(S)HpODE significantly reduces solid tumor growth through the activation of apoptosis. These data thus confirmed that IL-13 > 15-LO>13(S)HpODE > PPARγ>MAO-A > ROS > p53>p21 axis has a major contribution in regulating cancer cell apoptosis and further identified 13(S)HpODE as a potential chemo-preventive agent which can improve the efficacy of cancer treatment as a combination compound.

Exploiting Polyphenol-Mediated Redox Reorientation in Cancer Therapy

Polyphenol, one of the major components that exert the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), comprises several categories, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenes, and has long been studied in oncology due to its significant efficacy against cancers in vitro and in vivo. Recent evidence has linked this antitumor activity to the role of polyphenols in the modulation of redox homeostasis (e.g., pro/antioxidative effect) in cancer cells. Dysregulation of redox homeostasis could lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress, which is essential for many aspects of tumors, such as tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance. Thus, investigating the ROS-mediated anticancer properties of polyphenols is beneficial for the discovery and development of novel pharmacologic agents. In this review, we summarized these extensively studied polyphenols and discussed the regulatory mechanisms related to the modulation of redox homeostasis that are involved in their antitumor property. In addition, we discussed novel technologies and strategies that could promote the development of CHM-derived polyphenols to improve their versatile anticancer properties, including the development of novel delivery systems, chemical modification, and combination with other agents.

Elucidating the Anti-Tumorigenic Efficacy of Oltipraz, a Dithiolethione, in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumor, displays a highly infiltrative growth pattern and remains refractory to chemotherapy. Phytochemicals carrying specificity and low cytotoxicity may serve as potent and safer alternatives to conventional chemotherapy for treating GBM. We have evaluated the anticancer effects of Oltipraz (Olt), a synthetic dithiolethione found in many vegetables, including crucifers. While Olt exposure was non-toxic to the HEK-293 cell line, it impaired the cell growth in three GBM cell lines (LN18, LN229, and U-87 MG), arresting those at the G2/M phase. Olt-exposed GBM cells induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial depolarization, caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis, nuclear condensation, and DNA fragmentation, and decreased glutathione, a natural ROS scavenger, as well as vimentin and β-catenin, the EMT-associated markers. Its effect on a subpopulation of GBM cells exhibiting glioblastoma stem cell (GSCs)-like characteristics revealed a reduced expression of Oct4, Sox2, CD133, CD44, and a decrease in ALDH⁺, Nestin⁺ and CD44⁺ cells. In contrast, there was an increase in the expression of GFAP and GFAP⁺ cells. The Olt also significantly suppressed the oncosphere-forming ability of cells. Its efficacy was further validated in vivo, wherein oral administration of Olt could suppress the ectopically established GBM tumor growth in SCID mice. However, there was no alteration in body weight, organ ratio, and biochemical parameters, reflecting the absence of any toxicity otherwise. Together, our findings could demonstrate the promising chemotherapeutic efficacy of Olt with potential implications in treating GBM.

NRF2: A crucial regulator for mitochondrial metabolic shift and prostate cancer progression

Metabolic alterations are a common survival mechanism for prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance. Oxidative stress in the cellular and tumor microenvironment dictates metabolic switching in the cancer cells to adopt, prosper and escape therapeutic stress. Therefore, regulation of oxidative stress in tumor cells and in the tumor-microenvironment may enhance the action of conventional anticancer therapies. NRF2 is the master regulator for oxidative stress management. However, the overall oxidative stress varies with PCa clinical stage, metabolic state and therapy used for the cancer. In agreement, the blanket use of NRF2 inducers or inhibitors along with anticancer therapies cause adverse effects in some preclinical cancer models. In this review, we have summarized the levels of oxidative stress, metabolic preferences and NRF2 activity in the different stages of prostate cancer. We also propose condition specific ways to use NRF2 inducers or inhibitors along with conventional prostate cancer therapies. The significance of this review is not only to provide a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of NRF2 to regulate oxidative stress-mediated metabolic switching by prostate cancer cells to escape the radiation, chemo, or hormonal therapies, and to grow aggressively, but also to provide a potential therapeutic method to control aggressive prostate cancer growth by stage specific proper use of NRF2 regulators.

mRNA-Modified FUS/NRF2 Signalling Inhibits Ferroptosis and Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth

Objective. Regarding the imperfect mechanism of occurrence and development of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), this study investigated mRNA-modified FUS/NRF2 signalling to inhibit ferroptosis and promote prostate adenocarcinoma growth. Methods. Bioinformatics analysis was used to obtain the expression of FUS and its mRNA modification in PRAD. The expression of FUS in prostate cells (CRPC) and the level of m6A methylation modification, ferroptosis (P53 and GPX4), apoptosis (Caspase3), ferroptosis (P53 and GPX4), and apoptosis (Caspase3) in CRPC after ferroptosis inducer Erastin, ferroptosis inhibitor, and FUS knockdown were detected. Autophagy (LC3B), oxidative stress (GSH and ROS), and expression of NRF2/HO-1 pathway are indicators. Results. FUS was highly expressed in PRAD and phenomenally reduced the survival rate of patients. After knocking down FUS, the level of m6A methylation was significantly reduced, and the expressions of ferroptosis markers P53 and GPX4 were phenomenally reduced, while the levels of apoptosis and autophagy markers Caspase3 and LC3B remained unchanged. Upregulated and NRF2/HO-1 pathway indicators were upregulated. It shows that m6A methylation modification is reduced when FUS is the low expression, inhibits the expression of P53 and GPX4, downregulates GSH, upregulates ROS, activates the NRF2/HO-1 pathway, and promotes ferroptosis to inhibit the occurrence of RPAD. Conclusions. The increase of m6A methylation modification can increase the expression of FUS, thereby promoting the expression of P53 and GPX4, upregulating GSH, downregulating ROS, inhibiting the NRF2/HO-1 pathway, inhibiting ferroptosis, and promoting the growth of PRAD.

Naringenin Regulates FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 Axis in Autophagy and Proliferation of Breast Cancer and Differentiation and Maturation of Dendritic Cell

NRF2 is an important regulatory transcription factor involved in tumor immunity and tumorigenesis. In this study, we firstly identified that FKBP4/NR3C1 axis was a novel negative regulator of NRF2 in human breast cancer (BC) cells. The effect of FKBP4 appeared to be at protein level of NRF2 since it could not suppress the expression of NRF2 at mRNA level. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments further demonstrated that FKBP4 regulated NRF2 via regulating nuclear translocation of NR3C1. We then reported that naringenin, a flavonoid, widely distributed in citrus and tomato, could suppress autophagy and proliferation of BC cells through FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Naringenin was also found to promote dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and maturation through FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 axis. Therefore, our study found that naringenin could induce inhibition of autophagy and cell proliferation in BC cells and enhance DC differentiation and maturation, at least in part, though regulation of FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 signaling pathway. Identification of FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 axis would provide insights for novel anti-tumor strategy against BC among tumor microenvironment.

Alkaloid-rich fraction of Ervatamia coronaria sensitizes colorectal cancer through modulating AMPK and mTOR signalling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ervatamia coronaria, a popular garden plant in India and some other parts of the world is known traditionally for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The molecular bases of these functions remain poorly understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Efficacies of the existing therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited by their life-threatening side effects and unaffordability. Therefore, identifying a safer, efficient, and affordable therapeutic is urgent. We studied the anti-CRC activity of an alkaloid-rich fraction of E. coronaria leaf extracts (AFE) and associated underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Activity guided solvant fractionation was adopted to identify the activity in AFE. Different cell lines, and tumor grown in syngeneic mice were used to understand the anti-CRC effect. Methodologies such as LCMS, MTT, RT-qPCR, immunoblot, immunohistochemistry were employed to understand the molecular basis of its activity.

RESULTS

We showed that AFE, which carries about six major compounds, is highly toxic to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. AFE induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and p21 and p27 genes, while those of CDK2, CDK-4, cyclin-D, and cyclin-E genes were downregulated in HCT116 cells. It predominantly induced apoptosis in HCT116p53+/+ cells while the HCT116p53-/- cells under the same treatment condition died by autophagy. Notably, AFE induced upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation, and inhibition of both of the mTOR complexes as indicated by inhibition of phosphorylation of S6K1, 4EBP1, and AKT. Furthermore, AFE inhibited mTOR-driven conversion of cells from reversible cell cycle arrest to senescence (geroconversion) as well as ERK activity. AFE activity was independent of ROS produced, and did not primarily target the cellular DNA or cytoskeleton. AFE also efficiently regressed CT26-derived solid tumor in Balb/c mice acting alone or in synergy with 5FU through inducing autophagy as a major mechanism of action as indicated by upregulation of Beclin 1 and phospho-AMPK, and inhibition of phospho-S6K1 levels in the tumor tissue lysates.

CONCLUSION

AFE induced CRC death through activation of both apoptotic and autophagy pathways without affecting the normal cells. This study provided a logical basis for consideration of AFE in future therapy regimen to overcome the limitations associated with existing anti-CRC chemotherapy.

The Role of NRF2 in Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The raising prevalence of obesity is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperglycemia or diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which are involved in atherosclerosis, including structural and functional cardiac alterations, which lead to cardiac dysfunction. CVDs are the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In obesity, visceral and epicardial adipose tissue generate inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress and contribute to the pathogenesis of CVDs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by Nfe2l2 gene) protects against oxidative stress and electrophilic stress. NRF2 participates in the regulation of cell inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism, including the expression of over 1000 genes in the cell under normal and stressed environments. NRF2 is downregulated in diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. Nfe2l2 knockout mice develop structural and functional cardiac alterations, and NRF2 deficiency in macrophages increases atherosclerosis. Given the endothelial and cardiac protective effects of NRF2 in experimental models, its activation using pharmacological or natural products is a promising therapeutic approach for obesity and CVDs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the role of NRF2 in obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors.

Prostate cancer: Therapeutic prospect with herbal medicine

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men worldwide. A geographic variation on the burden of the disease suggested that the environment, genetic makeup, lifestyle, and food habits modulate one's susceptibility to the disease. Although it has been generally thought to be an older age disease, and awareness and timely execution of screening programs have managed to contain the disease in the older population over the last decades, the incidence is still increasing in the population younger than 50. Existing treatment is efficient for PCa that is localized and responsive to androgen. However, the androgen resistant and metastatic PCa are challenging to treat. Conventional radiation and chemotherapies are associated with severe side effects in addition to being exorbitantly expensive. Many isolated phytochemicals and extracts of plants used in traditional medicine are known for their safety and diverse healing properties, including many with varying levels of anti-PCa activities. Many of the phytochemicals discussed here, as shown by many laboratories, inhibit tumor cell growth and proliferation by interfering with the components in the pathways responsible for the enhanced proliferation, metabolism, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in the prostate cells while upregulating the mechanisms of cell death and cell cycle arrest. Notably, many of these agents simultaneously target multiple cellular pathways. We analyzed the available literature and provided an update on this issue in this review article.

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Prostate cancer in a major cause of death in older population worldwide.

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Efficacies of current treatment options are limited in many cases.

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Phytochemicals and extracts isolated from plants show anti-prostate cancer activity with unique mechanisms.

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Certain phytochemicals alone or in combination with current chemotherapy show therapeutic promise.