Abstract
The use of specific compounds to suppress the growth of tumors or reverse carcinogenesis is defined as chemoprevention. Natural products have been known as one of the most important resources of anticancer agents. Among them, carotenoids are lipophilic molecules accumulating in lipophilic compartments including lipoproteins and/or membranes. Various carotenoids were used as major phytonutrients to inhibit the development of tumors in vitro and in vivo. They have shown different functions such as scavenging free radicals, inhibition of angiogenesis, prevention of cell propagation, and apoptosis induction in lung, colon, breast and prostate. Regarding these roles, most carotenoids possess anti-oxidant properties. However, their therapeutic use is problematic due to the lack of solubility of carotenoids in water. Hence, recent studies have been focused on uncommon carotenoids soluble in water because of their glycosylated form, such as crocin(s) extracted from saffron. These structures with their cytotoxicity effects on human cancer cells are suggested as the most suitable compounds for cancer treatment. Herein, we summarize different functions of carotenoids for suppressing tumor growth.
Keywords: Anti-cancer activity, carotenoid, chemoprevention.
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Cancer Chemoprevention by Natural Carotenoids as an Efficient Strategy
Volume: 15 Issue: 8
Author(s): Azam Bolhassani
Affiliation:
Keywords: Anti-cancer activity, carotenoid, chemoprevention.
Abstract: The use of specific compounds to suppress the growth of tumors or reverse carcinogenesis is defined as chemoprevention. Natural products have been known as one of the most important resources of anticancer agents. Among them, carotenoids are lipophilic molecules accumulating in lipophilic compartments including lipoproteins and/or membranes. Various carotenoids were used as major phytonutrients to inhibit the development of tumors in vitro and in vivo. They have shown different functions such as scavenging free radicals, inhibition of angiogenesis, prevention of cell propagation, and apoptosis induction in lung, colon, breast and prostate. Regarding these roles, most carotenoids possess anti-oxidant properties. However, their therapeutic use is problematic due to the lack of solubility of carotenoids in water. Hence, recent studies have been focused on uncommon carotenoids soluble in water because of their glycosylated form, such as crocin(s) extracted from saffron. These structures with their cytotoxicity effects on human cancer cells are suggested as the most suitable compounds for cancer treatment. Herein, we summarize different functions of carotenoids for suppressing tumor growth.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Bolhassani Azam, Cancer Chemoprevention by Natural Carotenoids as an Efficient Strategy, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2015; 15 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520615666150302125707
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520615666150302125707 |
Print ISSN 1871-5206 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5992 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Induction of cell death in cancer cells by modulating telomerase activity using small molecule drugs
Telomeres are distinctive but short stretches present at the corners of chromosomes and aid in stabilizing chromosomal makeup. Resynthesis of telomeres supported by the activity of reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein complex telomerase. There is no any telomerase activity in human somatic cells, but the stem cells and germ cells undergone telomerase ...read more
Role of natural compounds as anti anti-cancer agents
Cancer is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy remains an important approach in treatment o f several types of cancers, even though ...read more
Signaling and enzymatic modulators in cancer treatment
Cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022 and is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the most important approach for the treatment of several ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Gefitinib Targets EGFR Dimerization and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation to Inhibit Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Proliferation
Current Cancer Drug Targets The Complexity of DEK Signaling in Cancer Progression
Current Cancer Drug Targets Bradykinin Receptors in Ischemic Injury
Current Neurovascular Research Weight Optimized Neural Network Using Metaheuristics for the Classification of Large Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma from Lung Imaging
Current Signal Transduction Therapy Integrins as Novel Drug Targets for Overcoming Innate Drug Resistance
Current Cancer Drug Targets Evaluation of Melatonin Effect on Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells Using a Threedimensional Growth Method of Mammospheres
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Dendritic Cells in Pathogenesis of COPD
Current Pharmaceutical Design Radio-thermo-sensitivity Induced by Gold Magnetic Nanoparticles in the Monolayer Culture of Human Prostate Carcinoma Cell Line DU145
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Editorial [Hot Topic: Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery (Executive Editors: A.V. Kabanov and K. Levon)]
Current Pharmaceutical Design Selenium and Colon Cancer – From Chemoprevention to New Treatment Modality
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Bcl-2 Family Proteins Regulate Apoptosis and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition by Calcium Signals
Current Pharmaceutical Design Aging as an Epigenetic Phenomenon
Current Genomics Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Paraganglioma-Like Pattern Diagnosed During Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Revision
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Molecular Targeted Therapy of Biliary Tract Cancer – Results of the First Clinical Studies
Current Drug Targets Editorial (Thematic Issue: Personalized Therapy In Cancer of Digestive System)
Clinical Cancer Drugs An Overview of Chromatin-Regulating Proteins in Cells
Current Protein & Peptide Science Chronic Inflammation in the Pancreas and Salivary Glands - Lessons from Similarities and Differences in Pathophysiology and Treatment Modalities
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Immunopathology of Tuberculosis – An Update
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews The Food-gut Human Axis: The Effects of Diet on Gut Microbiota and Metabolome
Current Medicinal Chemistry Preface
Current Medical Imaging