Title:The Efficacy of Natural Bioactive Compounds for the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Volume: 21
Issue: 13
Author(s): Dan-Na Huang, Shuo Wang, Suren R Sooranna*Jian-Hua Miao*
Affiliation:
- National Engineering Laboratory of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, 189 Changgang Road, Nanning 530023,China
- National Engineering Laboratory of Southwest Endangered Medicinal Resources Development, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, 189 Changgang Road, Nanning 530023,China
Keywords:
Cancer, natural products, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, epstein-barr virus, cytotoxic, apoptosis.
Abstract: The death toll associated with cancer worldwide is constantly on the increase. Efforts to
combat and treat the different forms of this disease is also evolving. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
(NPC) is a lethal form of cancer, which is prevalent in Southern China, that is normally treated by
using radiotherapy. Here, we will review products obtained from natural sources that have potential
cytotoxic and apoptotic properties against NPC. These include grifolin, dihydroartemisinin, luteolin,
honokiol, indole-3-carbinol, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, 6-O-angeloylenolin, cucurbitacin E,
genistein, helenalin, celastrol, coronarin D, quercetin, trans-cinnamaldehyde, 5'-epimer episilvestrol,
silvestrol, arnicolide D, brevilin A, and baicalin hydrate. Ethyl acetate extracts of Wedelia chinensis
and aqueous extracts of Ajuga bracteosa are also included although the bioactive compounds involved
have yet to be identified. The known mechanism of action of these products is discussed. It is
anticipated that one or more of these substances may provide the general population with alternative
and cost-effective ways to combat this fatal disease.
