Natural Anti Cancer Agents Presentation_pptx

Natural Anti-Cancer Agents
Harnessing Nature for Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Presented by:
Date:

Introduction
• Cancer is a leading cause of
death worldwide.
• Growing interest in natural
compounds with anti-cancer
properties.
• Many natural agents are used
in traditional medicine and
have scientific backing.

Why Natural Compounds?
Diversity: Vast range of unique chemical structures.
Synergy: Multiple compounds working together for
better results.
Fewer Side Effects: Often better tolerated than
synthetic drugs.
Targeted Action: Can target multiple cancer
pathways at once.
Accessibility: Many are easily sourced from plants,
fungi, etc.
Historical Use: Many have a long history in traditional
medicine.

Categories of Natural
Anti-Cancer Agents
 Other Sources
 Marine Organisms: (e.g., compounds from sponges, corals)
 Microbial Sources: (e.g., some antibiotics and fungal extracts)
 Phytochemicals (Plant-derived)
 Alkaloids: Disrupt cell division. Example: Vincristine (from periwinkle).
 Terpenoids: Inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis. Example: Taxol
(from yew tree).
 Phenolic Compounds: Act as antioxidants and regulate cell
signaling. Example: Curcumin (from turmeric), Resveratrol (from
grapes).
 Flavonoids: Induce apoptosis and block cell proliferation. Example:
Quercetin (from onions and apples).
 Saponins: Interfere with cancer cell membranes and induce cell
death. Example: Ginsenosides (from ginseng).

Curcumin (Turmeric)
 Source: The active compound in the spice turmeric.
 Mechanism of Action:
 Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits NF-κB, COX-2, and
inflammatory cytokines, which are all key players in the
inflammatory response that can fuel cancer growth.
 Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, preventing DNA
damage.
 Induces Apoptosis: Activates death signals (e.g.,
caspases) in cancer cells.
 Inhibits Angiogenesis: Blocks VEGF, a key protein that
promotes blood vessel formation.
 Challenge: Poorly absorbed by the body
(low bioavailability).
 Future: Promising for combination
therapies, but not a standalone cure.

Resveratrol
 Source: A natural polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes,
red wine, blueberries, and peanuts.
 Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Protects cells from
oxidative stress and inflammation.
 Modulates Cell Signaling: Affects multiple pathways to
inhibit cell growth and proliferation.
 Induces Apoptosis: Triggers programmed cell death in
cancer cells.
 Challenge: Similar to curcumin, it has low bioavailability and
requires high doses for potential therapeutic effects.
 Outlook: A promising area of study for cancer prevention and
as an adjunct to other treatments.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
 Source: The most abundant and potent catechin in green tea.
 Powerful Antioxidant: Protects against DNA damage and
oxidative stress.
 Inhibits Angiogenesis: Prevents the formation of new blood
vessels that tumors need.
 Induces Apoptosis: Triggers programmed cell death in cancer
cells without harming healthy cells.
 Blocks Cell Proliferation: Inhibits enzymes and pathways that
promote cancer cell growth.
 Research Focus: Widely studied for its potential role in preventing
and treating various cancers, including breast, prostate, and skin
cancer.
 Key Benefit: Safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, making it a
good candidate for preventive studies.

Sulforaphane
 Source: A sulfur-rich compound found in cruciferous
vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and
especially broccoli sprouts.
 Activates Nrf2: Stimulates the body's natural defense
system by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which boosts
antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.
 Blocks Carcinogens: Helps the body eliminate toxins
and carcinogens.
 Induces Apoptosis: Triggers programmed cell death in
cancer cells.
 Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, a key driver
of cancer.
 Research: Strong evidence supports its role in cancer
prevention, particularly for cancers of the breast, prostate,
and colon.

Quercetin
 Source: A flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables,
including onions, apples, grapes, berries, and broccoli.
 Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and reduces
oxidative stress.
 Regulates Cell Cycle: Can halt the growth of cancer
cells at different stages.
 Induces Apoptosis: Triggers programmed cell death in
malignant cells.
 Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits inflammatory pathways and
reduces cytokine production.
 Research: Shows potential in inhibiting the growth of
various cancers, including breast, colon, and lung.

Marine-Derived Compounds
 Source: A vast and diverse source of new molecules from
oceans, including sponges, corals, seaweeds, and
microorganisms.
 Mechanism of Action: These compounds exhibit a wide
range of anti-cancer properties, including:
 Inducing apoptosis (cell death).
 Blocking cell proliferation.
 Inhibiting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation).
 Future: The marine environment is still largely unexplored
and represents a highly promising frontier for discovering
new anti-cancer agents.

Mushrooms
 Source: Medicinal mushrooms like Shiitake, Reishi, Turkey Tail,
and Maitake have been used for centuries in traditional
medicine.
 Active Compounds: Contain polysaccharides, especially beta-
glucans, which are the main anti-cancer agents.
 Immune System Modulation: They don't attack cancer cells
directly but instead strengthen the body's immune system to
fight cancer more effectively.
 Antioxidant: Provide antioxidant support to protect against
cellular damage.
 Anti-tumor Effects: Some compounds have been shown to
directly inhibit tumor growth in lab studies.
 Clinical Use: In some parts of Asia, mushroom extracts are used
as an approved adjunct to conventional cancer treatments
(e.g., chemotherapy, radiation).
 Examples: Krestin (PSK) and Lentinan are two well-known
mushroom-derived drugs used in Japan.

Challenges and Considerations
 Bioavailability & Dosage: Many natural compounds
are poorly absorbed by the body. This makes it difficult to
determine effective and safe dosages.
 Standardization: The concentration of active
compounds can vary greatly depending on the source,
growing conditions, and processing methods. This makes it
hard to standardize products.
 Regulation & Safety: Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, natural
supplements are not as strictly regulated, leading to
concerns about purity, quality, and potential
contamination.
 Drug Interactions: Natural compounds can interact with
conventional cancer treatments, potentially reducing
their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
 Clinical Evidence: While promising in lab studies, more
rigorous and large-scale human clinical trials are needed
to confirm their efficacy and safety in treating cancer.

Current Research and Clinical Trials
 Focus on Combinations: A major area of research is using
natural agents in combination with conventional treatments
(like chemotherapy and radiation) to enhance their
effectiveness and reduce toxicity.
 Well-Established Agents: Some natural compounds have
already led to FDA-approved drugs. Examples include:
 Paclitaxel (Taxol): Originally from the Pacific yew tree.
 Vincristine: From the Madagascar periwinkle plant.
 Eribulin: A synthetic drug derived from a marine sponge
compound.
 Improving Delivery: Scientists are exploring new methods to
improve the absorption and effectiveness of natural
compounds, such as using nanotechnology to create better
delivery systems.
 Personalized Medicine: Future research aims to understand
how natural agents can be used in a personalized way,
targeting specific genetic pathways in individual patients.

Conclusion
Promising Source: Natural compounds represent a rich
and diverse source of potential anti-cancer agents.
Multiple Mechanisms: They work through a variety of mechanisms, including
reducing inflammation, acting as antioxidants, and inducing cancer cell
death.
Synergy is Key: Natural agents are often most effective when they
work together or in combination with conventional therapies.
Continued Research: While promising, more research and rigorous
clinical trials are essential to validate their efficacy and safety.
Important Caveat: Natural anti-cancer agents are a powerful area of
research but are not a replacement for medical advice or standard cancer
treatments. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Final Thought: The future of cancer treatment may lie in a holistic approach,
combining the best of conventional medicine with the potent power of
nature's compounds.

References
• PubMed
• Nature Reviews Cancer
• Cancer Research Journals
• Clinical trial databases

Natural Anti Cancer Agents Presentation_pptx

Natural Anti Cancer Agents Presentation_pptx

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