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Cancers
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Natural Compounds in Cancers
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Natural Compounds in Cancers

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Cancer Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 18487

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro

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Guest Editor
Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
Interests: functional foods; protein hydrolysate; antioxidant; immunomodulation; natural extracts; biopeptides; lupine; hemp
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Guillermo Santos Sánchez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, CIAL (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
Interests: hydrolysates; peptides; lupine; oxidant stress; functional foods; nutraceuticals; atherosclerosis; MAFLD
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: cancer; immunity; nutrients; obesity; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; regulatory T cells

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer remains to be an important global health challenge, demanding innovative and effective therapeutic strategies. In the search for novel treatments, attention has turned toward natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, and other sources.

Several studies have revealed the presence of potent bioactive molecules in plants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which possess remarkable antitumor effects. Other natural compounds have shown promise in inhibiting tumor growth and inducing cancer cell death.

In addition, some of these compounds exhibit chemopreventive properties by targeting key molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis, thus reducing the risk of cancer development and progression.
Another important piece of evidence is that these can reduce the side effects of conventional cancer therapies, improving their efficacy and enhancing survival rates in both murine models and oncological patients.

At last, the immunomodulatory effects of certain natural compounds are highlighted, since they can enhance the immune response against cancer cells, contributing to boosting the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

Thus, the importance of natural compounds in cancer management cannot be understated. However, more investigations are necessary, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations, to know the full potential of natural compounds in the fight against cancer.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Cancers, entitled “Natural Compounds in Cancer”, welcomes the submission of original articles or reviews that can improve the knowledge about the beneficial effects of natural compounds. However, papers on medical plants (just certain extracts) will not be considered unless the active ingredient or constituents of the plant are determined or presented, and the toxicity is evaluated in the study (in vivo and in vitro).

Dr. Ivan Cruz-Chamorro
Dr. Guillermo Santos Sánchez
Dr. Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrition
  • bioactive molecules
  • inflammation
  • natural extracts
  • nutraceuticals
  • immunotherapy
  • chemotherapy

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4124 KiB  
Article
Oncogene Downregulation by Mahanine Suppresses Drug-Sensitive and Drug-Resistant Lung Cancer and Inhibits Orthotopic Tumor Progression
by Raghuram Kandimalla, Disha N. Moholkar, Suman Kumar Samanta, Neha Tyagi, Farrukh Aqil and Ramesh Gupta
Cancers 2024, 16(21), 3572; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16213572 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and drug resistance complicates its treatment. Mahanine (MH), an alkaloid from Murraya koenigii has been known for its anti-cancer properties. However, its effectiveness and mechanisms in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, and drug resistance complicates its treatment. Mahanine (MH), an alkaloid from Murraya koenigii has been known for its anti-cancer properties. However, its effectiveness and mechanisms in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate MH’s effect on drug-sensitive and drug-resistant NSCLC and its potential mechanism of action. Methods: We isolated MH from M. koenigii leaves and the purity (99%) was confirmed by HPLC, LC-MS and NMR. The antiproliferative activity of MH was determined using MTT and colony formation assays against drug-sensitive (A549 and H1299) and Taxol-resistant lung cancer cells (A549-TR). Western blot analysis was performed to determine MH’s effects on various molecular targets. Anti-tumor activity of MH was determined against lung tumors developed in female NOD Scid mice injected with A549-Fluc bioluminescent cells (1.5 × 106) intrathoracically. Results: MH dose-dependently reduced the proliferation of all lung cancer cells (A549, H1299 and A549-TR), with IC50 values of 7.5, 5, and 10 µM, respectively. Mechanistically, MH arrested cell growth in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) and cell division control 2 (CDC2) and induced apoptosis through the downregulation of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL). The apoptotic induction capacity of MH can also be attributed to its ability to inhibit pro-oncogenic markers, including mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor receptor (MET), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), survivin, rat sarcoma viral oncogene (RAS), myelocytomatosis oncogene (cMYC), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) levels. In vivo, MH (25 mg/kg b. wt.) significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the growth of A549 lung cancer orthotopic xenografts in NOD Scid mice by 70%. Conclusions: Our study provides new mechanistic insights into MH’s therapeutic potential against NSCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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20 pages, 12322 KiB  
Article
Using Flavonoid Substitution Status to Predict Anticancer Effects in Human Melanoma Cancers: An In Vitro Study
by Katarzyna Jakimiuk, Łukasz Szoka, Arkadiusz Surażyński and Michał Tomczyk
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030487 - 23 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3108
Abstract
Skin cancers are a dominant type of cancer that impacts millions per year. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease triggered by the irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. In this study, we investigated the activity of 37 structurally diverse flavonoids to find potentially [...] Read more.
Skin cancers are a dominant type of cancer that impacts millions per year. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease triggered by the irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. In this study, we investigated the activity of 37 structurally diverse flavonoids to find potentially active substances using two melanoma cell lines: C32 and A375. First, the cytotoxic potential and DNA biosynthesis inhibition of flavonoids were tested to determine the most active compounds in cancer and normal cells. Second, the molecular mechanism of the anticancer activity of flavonoids was elucidated using Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Compounds 1, 6, 15, and 37 reduced the viability of A375 and C32 cell lines via the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, whereas 16 and 17 acted in a higher degree via the inhibition of DNA biosynthesis. In our experiment, we demonstrated the anticancer activity of compound 15 (5,6-dihydroxyflavone) for the first time. The in vitro studies pointed out the importance of the flavonoid core in hydroxyl groups in the search for potential drugs for amelanotic melanoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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Review

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29 pages, 3188 KiB  
Review
Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Derived Compounds in Hematological Malignancies
by Tamara Vujović, Tina Paradžik, Sanja Babić Brčić and Roberto Piva
Cancers 2025, 17(2), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17020318 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1729
Abstract
Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health and can show significant potential in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These diseases often pose a therapeutic [...] Read more.
Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health and can show significant potential in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These diseases often pose a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances in treatment (e.g., the use of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, CD38 monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy). A considerable number of patients experience relapses or resistance to the applied therapies. Algal compounds, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other more advanced therapies, have exhibited antitumor and immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies that may improve disease outcomes. These include the ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor growth, and improve immune responses. However, most of these studies are conducted in vitro, often without in vivo validation or clinical trials. This paper summarizes the current evidence on the in vitro effects of algae extracts and isolated compounds on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma cell lines. In addition, we address the current advances in the application of algae-derived compounds as targeted drug carriers and their synergistic potential against hematologic malignancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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36 pages, 2854 KiB  
Review
Synergistic Strategies for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Targeting AR-V7, Exploring Natural Compounds, and Optimizing FDA-Approved Therapies
by Muntajin Rahman, Khadija Akter, Kazi Rejvee Ahmed, Md. Maharub Hossain Fahim, Nahida Aktary, Moon Nyeo Park, Sang-Won Shin and Bonglee Kim
Cancers 2024, 16(16), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16162777 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 3640
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The emergence of androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) has been implicated in CRPC progression, contributing to treatment resistance. Current treatments, including first-generation chemotherapy, [...] Read more.
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The emergence of androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) has been implicated in CRPC progression, contributing to treatment resistance. Current treatments, including first-generation chemotherapy, androgen receptor blockers, radiation therapy, immune therapy, and PARP inhibitors, often come with substantial side effects and limited efficacy. Natural compounds, particularly those derived from herbal medicine, have garnered increasing interest as adjunctive therapeutic agents against CRPC. This review explores the role of AR-V7 in CRPC and highlights the promising benefits of natural compounds as complementary treatments to conventional drugs in reducing CRPC and overcoming therapeutic resistance. We delve into the mechanisms of action underlying the anti-CRPC effects of natural compounds, showcasing their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes while mitigating the side effects associated with conventional therapies. The exploration of natural compounds offers promising avenues for developing novel treatment strategies that enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce the adverse effects of conventional CRPC therapies. These compounds provide a safer, more effective approach to managing CRPC, representing a significant advancement in improving patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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37 pages, 2599 KiB  
Review
Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers Management
by Elena Belfiore, Giulia Di Prima, Giuseppe Angellotti, Vera Panzarella and Viviana De Caro
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020260 - 6 Jan 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3781
Abstract
Oral Mucositis (OM) is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are the conventional treatment options for head and neck cancers. OM is a severe inflammatory condition characterized by multifactorial etiopathogenesis. It further negatively affects patients’ quality of life [...] Read more.
Oral Mucositis (OM) is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are the conventional treatment options for head and neck cancers. OM is a severe inflammatory condition characterized by multifactorial etiopathogenesis. It further negatively affects patients’ quality of life by severe impairment of normal oral functions. Consequently, it is mandatory to identify new effective therapeutic approaches to both prevent and treat OM while also avoiding any recurrence. Polyphenols recently attracted the interest of the scientific community due to their low toxicity and wide range of biological activities making them ideal candidates for several applications in the odontostomatological field, particularly against OM. This review collects the in vivo studies and the clinical trials conducted over the past 13 years evaluating the preventive and curative effects of several polyphenolic compounds towards chemo- and radiotherapy-induced OM, both when administered alone or as a plant-extracted phytocomplex. The literature fully confirms the usefulness of these molecules, thus opening the possibility of their clinical application. However, polyphenol limitations (e.g., unfavourable physicochemical properties and susceptibility to degradation) have emerged. Consequently, the interest of the scientific community should be focused on developing innovative delivery systems able to stabilize polyphenols, thus facilitating topical administration and maximizing their efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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Other

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30 pages, 1747 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Anticancer Potential of Kaempferol: A Systematic Review Based on In Vitro Studies
by Everton Freitas de Morais, Lilianny Querino Rocha de Oliveira, Hannah Gil de Farias Morais, Maurília Raquel de Souto Medeiros, Roseana de Almeida Freitas, Camila Oliveira Rodini and Ricardo D. Coletta
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030585 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3847
Abstract
Given the heterogeneity of different malignant processes, planning cancer treatment is challenging. According to recent studies, natural products are likely to be effective in cancer prevention and treatment. Among bioactive flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables, kaempferol (KMP) is known for its anti-inflammatory, [...] Read more.
Given the heterogeneity of different malignant processes, planning cancer treatment is challenging. According to recent studies, natural products are likely to be effective in cancer prevention and treatment. Among bioactive flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables, kaempferol (KMP) is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This systematic review aims to highlight the potential therapeutic effects of KMP on different types of solid malignant tumors. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed in EMBASE, Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration Library, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. After the application of study criteria, 64 studies were included. In vitro experiments demonstrated that KMP exerts antitumor effects by controlling tumor cell cycle progression, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, as well as by inhibiting angiogenesis. KMP was also able to inhibit important markers that regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition and enhanced the sensitivity of cancer cells to traditional drugs used in chemotherapy, including cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. This flavonoid is a promising therapeutic compound and its combination with current anticancer agents, including targeted drugs, may potentially produce more effective and predictable results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds in Cancers)
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