Title:Toxicity, Safety, and Pharmacotherapeutic Properties of Ursolic Acid:
Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives against Lung Cancer
Volume: 19
Issue: 5
Author(s): Chandrakumar Subramanian, Solaipriya Solairaja, Nageswara Rao Dunna and Sivaramakrishnan Venkatabalasubramanian*
Affiliation:
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology,
Kattankulathur Campus, Chennai-603203, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Bioactive compounds, cancer, triterpenoid, ursolic acid, pharmacotherapy, phytochemistry.
Abstract: Lung cancer is often associated with the second leading cause of mortality in males
globally. Despite clinical advancements, their incidence in humans has not decreased. Hence identifying
and developing alternative or complementary therapeutic agents with evidence targeting
lung cancer is of considerable interest. Ursolic Acid (UA): a dietary flavonoid present in herbs,
vegetables, and fruits can effectively alleviate the hallmarks of lung cancer. As a molecular therapeutic
agent, UA disrupts prolonged inflammation, augments antioxidant enzyme defense, attenuates
tumor growth signal and tissue invasion/metastasis, limits unrestrained proliferation, fosters
apoptosis and regulates immune response in lung cancer. This review will most notably focus on
the current source of UA availability, phytochemistry, bioavailability, safety, toxicity, and salient
pharmacotherapeutic properties in addition to the preclinical and clinical information currently
available to recommend UA as a potential therapeutic agent for lung cancer targeting and prevention.