Abstract
The study of anticancer properties from natural products has regained popularity as natural molecules provide a high diversity of chemical structures with specific biological and medicinal activity. Based on a documented library of the most common medicinal plants used by the indigenous people of North America, we screened and isolated compounds with anti-breast cancer properties from Juniperus communis (common Juniper). Using bioassay-guided fractionation of a crude plant extract, we identified the diterpene isocupressic acid and the aryltetralin lignan deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT) as potent inducers of caspase-dependent programmed cell death (apoptosis) in malignant MB231 breast cancer cells. Further elucidation revealed that DPT, in contrast to isocupressic acid, also concomitantly inhibited cell survival pathways mediated by the MAPK/ERK and NFκB signaling pathways within hours of treatment. Our findings emphasize the potential and importance of natural product screening for new chemical entities with novel anticancer activities. Natural products research complemented with the wealth of information available through the ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological knowledge of the indigenous peoples of North America can provide new candidate entities with desirable bioactivities to develop new cancer therapies.
Keywords: Apoptosis, breast cancer, caspase, deoxypodophyllotoxin, ERK, isocupressic acid, Juniperus communis, NFκB.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Nanomedicines and Targeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with high incidence and mortality rates despite advancements in treatment strategies. Conventional therapies often face limitations such as systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and suboptimal targeting. The advent of nanomedicines and innovative drug delivery systems offers new hope for overcoming these challenges and ...read more
Discovery of Lead compounds targeting transcriptional regulation
Transcriptional regulation plays key physiological functions in body growth and development. Transcriptional dysregulation is one of the important biomarkers of tumor genesis and progression, which is involved in regulating tumor cell processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis and promotes tumor ...read more
Innovative targets in medicinal chemistry
Medicinal chemistry continuously evolves in response to emerging healthcare needs and advancements in scientific understanding. This special issue explores the current landscape of innovative targets in medicinal chemistry, highlighting the quest for novel therapeutic avenues. From traditional drug targets such as enzymes and receptors to emerging targets like protein-protein interactions ...read more
Rechallenge Therapy in different types of cancer
Cancer is responsible for approximately 8 million deaths annually worldwide. GLOBOCAN 2020 reported 19.3 million new cases of cancer, which is projected to increase to 28.4 million by 2040. In the future, female breast cancer will be the most common cancer (11.7%), followed by lung (11.4%), colorectal (10.0%), prostate (7.3%), ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Analytical Chemistry
Current Computer-Aided Drug Design
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Related Books
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
Therapeutic Insights into Herbal Medicine through the Use of Phytomolecules
Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Methods: A Brief Introduction
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Biochar - Solid Carbon for Sustainable Agriculture
DFT-Based Studies On Atomic Clusters
Basics of Organic Chemistry: A Textbook for Undergraduate Students
Science of Spices and Culinary Herbs - Latest Laboratory, Pre-clinical, and Clinical Studies
Hydrotalcite-based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Application
113
