Hospital Practices and Research

Cucurbitacins are Natural Anticancer Compounds Found in Plants of the Cucurbitaceae Family

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Roohallah Yousefi

Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2024.484735.1456
Abstract
Background: Cucurbitacins are important compounds in the Cucurbitaceae family. They are known for their potential in cancer treatment. Cucurbitacins have a complex structure with over 200 variants, each exhibiting different biological activities. Ongoing research aims to enhance their effectiveness in medicine
Objectives: The study aimed to identify compounds with the potential to be used in chemotherapy by examining the structure of Cucurbitacins found in plants of the Cucurbitaceae family.
Methods: In this review study, we analyzed the biological and anticancer activities of plant compounds known as Cucurbitacins. We searched for keywords such as "Cucurbitacins", "Cucurbitaceae family", "Antioxidants", and "Anticancer" in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. We gathered information about Cucurbitacins from PubChem, searched for Cucurbitacin, and refined results using advanced options.
Results: The anticancer potential of Cucurbitacins has been extensively researched. Specific Cucurbitacins, such as D, E, I, and IIa, have been found to induce cell death and autophagy in cancer cells, inhibit their migration and invasion, arrest the cell cycle, and impede their proliferation and survival. These compounds also inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which is implicated in various cancers, including breast, pancreatic, colon, ovarian, and osteosarcoma. Recent interest in Cucurbitacins has surged for their potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Some studies suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables rich in Cucurbitacins may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, they hold promise as chemotherapeutic agents in combination with conventional treatments.
Conclusion: The ability of Cucurbitacins to inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, inhibit cell migration and invasion, and block the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway make them potential candidates for cancer prevention and treatment.

Keywords

Cucurbitacin
Antioxidants
Anticancer
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Hospital Practices and Research
Volume 9, Issue 3 - Serial Number 35
Summer 2024
Pages 493-500

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