Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Implications of Herbal Compounds Targeting Different Types of Cancer

Molecules. 2023 Jan 11;28(2):750. doi: 10.3390/molecules28020750.

Abstract

Due to genetic changes in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences, cancer continues to be the second most prevalent cause of death. The traditional target-directed approach, which is confronted with the importance of target function in healthy cells, is one of the most significant challenges in anticancer research. Another problem with cancer cells is that they experience various mutations, changes in gene duplication, and chromosomal abnormalities, all of which have a direct influence on the potency of anticancer drugs at different developmental stages. All of these factors combine to make cancer medication development difficult, with low clinical licensure success rates when compared to other therapy categories. The current review focuses on the pathophysiology and molecular aspects of common cancer types. Currently, the available chemotherapeutic drugs, also known as combination chemotherapy, are associated with numerous adverse effects, resulting in the search for herbal-based alternatives that attenuate resistance due to cancer therapy and exert chemo-protective actions. To provide new insights, this review updated the list of key compounds that may enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Keywords: anticancer therapies; cancer; herbal compounds; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents

Grants and funding

Fundings for the publication of this paper are provided by University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania, by an Internal Project.