Medicinal plants: active compounds, properties and antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Cancer development consists of a multitude of steps that occur progressively starting with initial driver mutation(s), to tumorigenesis, and ultimately metastasis. However, relatively little is known about the key epigenetic events that lead to tumour progression and metastasis. On the other hand, it is widely known that cancer cells acquire instruments to circumvent programmed cell death. Epidemiological studies suggest that medicinal plants can act as epigenetic compounds promoting several strategies to override apoptosis, including the induction of programmed cell death, the arrest of cell proliferation, or both. Interestingly, around half of current pharmaceutical drugs have been derived, directly or indirectly, from natural sources. Many species have been recognized to have medicinal properties and beneficial impact on health, such as, antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activities, anti-mutagenic effects and anti-carcinogenic potential. This review thoroughly discusses about the chemical composition and biochemical properties of four medicinal and Mediterranean plants such as Aloe vera, Salvia officinalis L. (Sage), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) and Urtica dioica (Nettle), and compares the potential of these plants to modify proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis in colorectal cancer.