Current Evidence on Molecular Mechanisms of Andrographolide in Cancer.

Cancer, a diverse group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and the potential to spread throughout the body, accounts for approximately 10 million deaths globally each year. Current cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, and various pharmacological treatments, present several challenges and potential side effects. It is important to differentiate these conventional methods, which often involve synthetic drugs, from adjuvant therapies that might be used in conjunction. As a result, there is an increasing interest in alternative therapies, particularly in agents derived from natural sources for cancer treatment. Secondary metabolites have shown promise in promoting the development of new clinical drugs with various anti-cancer mechanisms. This review focuses on the anti-cancer potential of the novel metabolite Andrographolide, extracted mainly from Andrographis paniculata. The chemopreventive properties and the ability to inhibit various signaling pathways across different types of cancers without side effects posit Andrographolide as a promising natural antitumour agent. The review identified that Andrographolide inhibits multiple signaling pathways, contributing to its anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and apoptotic effects in various cancers. The compound's natural origin and lack of adverse side effects make it particularly attractive as a therapeutic agent. However, further detailed studies are needed to fully understand its specific mechanisms and potential clinical applications. Andrographolide presents a compelling option as a natural anticancer agent with the potential to overcome some limitations of traditional cancer treatments. Its broad spectrum of anti-cancer activities and absence of side effects highlight its therapeutic potential. The review highlights that continued research and clinical studies are important for confirming the effectiveness and safety of Andrographolide in human use, alongside optimizing dosage and delivery techniques.

Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent.

With the advent of highly effective plant-based medications with few or no side effects, the use of phytomedicines against complex diseases such as cancer is becoming more widespread. The broadly recognized pentacyclic triterpenes known as boswellic acids (BAs) are derived from the oleogum resin, or frankincense, extracted from the plant species of the genus Boswellia. The frankincense mixture contains various BA types, each having a different potential and helping treat certain cancers. This review focuses on details regarding the traits of the BAs, their roles as anti-cancer agents, the mechanism underlying their activities, and the function of their semi-synthetic derivatives in managing and treating certain cancers. The review also explores the biological sources of BAs, how they are conserved, and how biotechnology might help preserve and improve in vitro BA production. The review concludes that the BAs and their semi-synthetic derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines. The detailed information in the review can be helpful for researchers to gain more information about BAs and BA-based medications for efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments.

Poisonous Plants of the Indian Himalaya: An Overview.

Indian Himalayan region (IHR) supports a wide diversity of plants and most of them are known for their medicinal value. Humankind has been using medicinal plants since the inception of civilization. Various types of bioactive compounds are found in plants, which are directly and indirectly beneficial for plants as well as humans. These bioactive compounds are highly useful and being used as a strong source of medicines, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food additives, fragrances, and flavoring agents. Apart from this, several plant species contain some toxic compounds that affect the health of many forms of life as well as cause their death. These plants are known as poisonous plants, because of their toxicity to both humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to know in what quantity they should be taken so that it does not have a negative impact on health. Recent studies on poisonous plants have raised awareness among people who are at risk of plant toxicity in different parts of the world. The main aim of this review article is to explore the current knowledge about the poisonous plants of the Indian Himalayas along with the importance of these poisonous plants to treat different ailments. The findings of the present review will be helpful to different pharmaceutical industries, the scientific community and researchers around the world.