Medicinal plants with anti-colorectal cancer bioactive compounds: Potential game-changers in colorectal cancer management

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2022-09, Vol.153, p.113383-113383, Article 113383
• Main Authors: Macharia, John M., Mwangi, Ruth W., Rozmann, Nora, Zsolt, Kaposztas, Varjas, Tímea, Uchechukwu, Paschal O., Wagara, Isabel N., Raposa, Bence L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticancer biomolecules; Colon carcinogenesis; Colorectal cancer; Medicinal plants; Phytochemicals
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113383

Development and identification of molecular compounds capable of killing or inhibiting transformed cells promoting carcinogenesis without inducing toxic effects to the normal cells are of utmost significance. A systematic review was conducted in screening for important literature was extensively performed by searching the Web of Science, Ovid, BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for optimum selectivity. Google Scholar was also used to supplement information. Pharmacotherapeutic biomolecules active against colon cancer carcinogenesis in Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana (bananas), Punica granatum L (pomegranate), Glycine max (Soybean), Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck (Broccoli), and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis and Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) were evaluated. Signaling pathways like phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) correlate the mediation of COX-2 expression. Increased levels of COX-2 are correlated with the occurrence and progression of colon cancer. Natural antioxidants in herbal plants including polyphenols and carotenoids inhibit the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and thereby preventing the initiation of oxidizing chain reactions. These bioactive compounds should be considered an important dietary supplement. [Display omitted] •Colorectal cancer is among the most common malignancy.•Natural antioxidants including known polyphenols and carotenoids inhibit oxidation.•Natural inhibitors should be explored as alternative chemoprevention therapies.•Plants have significant bioactive compounds essential for growth and development.•Bioactive compounds should be considered as important dietary supplement.