Pharmacological Research (Jan 2024)

Harnessing natural product polysaccharides against lung cancer and revisit its novel mechanism

  • Wangqi Tian,
  • Jumin Huang,
  • Weitong Zhang,
  • Yifan Wang,
  • Ruyi Jin,
  • Hui Guo,
  • Yuping Tang,
  • Yuwei Wang,
  • Huanling Lai,
  • Elaine Lai-Han Leung

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 199
p. 107034

Abstract

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The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are on the rise worldwide. However, the benefit of clinical treatment in lung cancer is limited. Owning to important sources of drug development, natural products have received constant attention around the world. Main ingredient polysaccharides in natural products have been found to have various activities in pharmacological research. In recent years, more and more scientists are looking for the effects and mechanisms of different natural product polysaccharides on lung cancer. In this review, we focus on the following aspects: First, natural product polysaccharides have been discovered to directly suppress the growth of lung cancer cells, which can be effective in limiting tumor progression. Additionally, polysaccharides have been considered to enhance immune function, which can play a pivotal role in fighting lung cancer. Lastly, polysaccharides can improve the efficacy of drugs in lung cancer treatment by regulating the gut microbiota. Overall, the research of natural product polysaccharides in the treatment of lung cancer is a promising area that has the potential to lead to new clinical treatments. With better understanding, natural product polysaccharides have the potential to become important components of future lung cancer treatments.

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