Frontiers in Oncology (Nov 2019)

Modulation of Multiple Signaling Pathways of the Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer

  • Li-rui Sun,
  • Wei Zhou,
  • Hong-mei Zhang,
  • Qiu-shi Guo,
  • Wei Yang,
  • Bing-jin Li,
  • Zhi-hui Sun,
  • Shuo-hui Gao,
  • Ran-ji Cui

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2019.01153
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Natural compounds are highly effective anticancer chemotherapeutic agents, and the targets of plant-derived anticancer agents have been widely reported. In this review, we focus on the main signaling pathways of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis that are regulated by polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, and polysaccharides. Alkaloids primarily affect apoptosis-related pathways, while polysaccharides primarily target pathways related to proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Other compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, affect all of these aspects. The association between compound structures and signaling pathways may play a critical role in drug discovery.

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