The role of guggulsterone on the NF-κB pathway in inflammatory bowel disease: preclinical evidence

Current stage of preclinical and clinical development of guggulsterone in cancers: Challenges and promises

Throughout human history, the utilization of medicinal herbs has been recognized as a crucial defense against various ailments, including cancer. Natural products with potential anticancer properties, capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, have garnered substantial attention. One such agent under investigation is guggulsterone (GS), a phytosterol derived from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies elucidating the anticancer molecular mechanisms and molecular targets of GS, guiding future research and potential applications as an adjuvant drug in cancer therapy. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have explored the biological activities of the active ingredients in Commiphora mukul. Specifically, GS emerges as a potential cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic agent. The investigations delve into the impact of GS on constitutively activated survival pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathways. These pathways regulate antiapoptotic and proinflammatory genes, exerting control over growth and inflammatory responses. The findings highlight the potential of GS in disrupting survival pathways crucial for cancer cell viability. The inhibition of JAK/STAT, NF-kB, and PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathways positions GS as a promising candidate for cancer therapy. The review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies, underscoring the multifaceted biological activities of GS in cancer prevention and treatment. To advance our understanding, future clinical and translational studies are imperative to determine effective doses in humans. Additionally, there is a need for the development of new pharmaceutical forms of GS to optimize therapeutic effects. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for ongoing research, offering insights into the potential of GS as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against cancer.

Physicochemical investigation and molecular docking analysis of Maha yogaraj Guggulu tablet and virtual screening of its major bioactive compound

Guggulsterone plays a significant role in cholesterol-lowering by inhibiting Farnesoid X Receptor. The present study aims to identify the isomers of Guggulsterone with high binding affinity and good binding interaction with targeted protein and positive control atorvastatin. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Guggulsterone isomers were estimated from P.K.C.S.M. online server, and molecular docking analysis was performed from Autodock V.® 4.2.6 Program. From the computer-aided drug designing, we have confirmed that guggulsterone isomers are inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme and hepatotoxic. Guggulsterone isomer showed a stronger binding affinity when compared with atorvastatin. The docking score for Guggulsterone was -9.28 kcal/mol, E-Guggulsterone -9.56 kcal/mol, Z-Guggulsterone -9.79 kcal/mol, M-Guggulsterone -9.45 kcal/mol, and positive control atorvastatin -8.26 kcal/mol. The present study revealed that the isomers of Guggulsterone have high binding affinity and good binding interaction with targeted proteins.

The critical role of the phytosterols in modulating tumor microenvironment via multiple signaling: A comprehensive molecular approach

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and its cases are rapidly increasing every year. Several factors contribute to the development of tumorigenesis. including radiation, dietary lifestyle, smoking, environmental, and genetic factors. The cell cycle is regulated by a variety of molecular signaling proteins. However, when the proteins involved in the cell cycle regulation are altered, cellular growth and proliferation are significantly affected. Natural products provide an important source of new drug development for a variety of ailments. including cancer. Phytosterols (PSs) are an important class of natural compounds reported for numerous pharmacological activities, including cancer. Various PSs, such as ergosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, withaferin A, etc., have been reported for their anti-cancer activities against a variety of cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment via molecular signaling pathways discussed within the article. These signaling pathways are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, growth factors, chemokines, and pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. These mediators and their upstream signaling are very active within the variety of tumors and by modulating these signalings, thus PS exhibits promising anti-cancer activities. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy as well the safety of the phytosterols.