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Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Liver Cancer and Their Potential Mechanisms

Summary

This review examines how natural products from plants, fungi, and marine organisms can help treat liver cancer more safely and effectively than current drugs. These natural compounds work through multiple pathways such as triggering cancer cell death, stopping cell growth, and boosting the immune system. The research found that seven categories of natural products show promise, with sources ranging from ginseng and turmeric to mushrooms and seaweed, offering potential new treatment options that could reduce side effects and drug resistance.

Background

Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. Current treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs have limitations including drug resistance, high recurrence rates, and significant side effects. Natural products have emerged as promising candidates for drug development due to their diverse biological activities and low toxicity.

Objective

This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of natural products research in liver cancer treatment. It evaluates the efficacy and mechanisms of action of natural products from various origins against liver cancer, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, quinones, and volatile oils.

Results

Natural products exhibit multiple anti-cancer mechanisms including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; and modulation of key signaling pathways. Seven categories of natural products showed therapeutic effects with various sources including fungi, plants, marine organisms, and animal-derived compounds.

Conclusion

Natural products demonstrate significant potential as safer, more cost-effective alternatives to conventional liver cancer treatments. These compounds work through multiple therapeutic pathways and mechanisms, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods for liver cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 38892575, DOI: 10.3390/nu16111642
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