Exploring the astonishing beneficial effects of round gourd (Praecitrullus fistulosus) and plant lectins towards cancer: A comprehensive review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-06, Vol.271 (Pt 2), p.132629, Article 132629
• Main Authors: Jabeen, Ifrah, Altemimi, Ammar B., Rabail, Roshina, Kafeel, Sadia, Shahid, Arashi, Inam-Ur-Raheem, Muhammad, Mousavi Khaneghah, Amin, Aadil, Rana Muhammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - pharmacology; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Apoptosis - drug effects; Bioactive components; Biomarkers; Cancer; Cucurbitaceae - chemistry; Humans; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - metabolism; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant lectins; Plant Lectins - chemistry; Plant Lectins - pharmacology; Praecitrullus fistulosus; Round gourd
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132629

Praecitrullus fistulosus, commonly known as round gourd or tinda, is a remarkable source of bioactive substances like polyphenols, antioxidants, carotene, magnesium, and vitamin C. It is considered one of the Cucurbitaceae family due to its medicinal features. Plant lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that can bind and identify the carbohydrate moieties upon cancerous cells demonstrated some anticancer potentials. Several plant lectins are helpful as cancer biomarkers because they can find cancer cells and contribute to cell death initiation via apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting the possible role of cancer-inhibiting pathways. Therefore, round gourd and lectins might be useful in the controlling of cancer. This study compiled the most recent scientific literature regarding the round gourd and numerous plant lectins, and the clinical trials of lectins exploring their effects on cancer were examined. Research according to the literature, round gourd, and lectins demonstrated pharmacological alterations not only in cancer but in many other disorders as well. Thus, clinical investigations proved the beneficial impacts of round gourd and lectins on cancer due to their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. Further studies are required to fully comprehend the potential applications of these plant-derived compounds against cancer, as well as to identify the round gourd components and clarify their mode of action. •Round gourd and its bioactive constituents can improve general health.•Lectins are typically proteins of non-immune origin that bind carbohydrates.•Several plant lectins may detect modifications in cancerous cells.