Multifunctional Role of Natural Products for Therapeutic Approaches of Prostate Cancer: An Updated Review

Abstract

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is a significant health issue affecting males globally and is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in males. Diet and physical activity can affect the possibility of getting PCa. Traditional plant-derived compounds and natural products have demonstrated promising effects against PCa in clinical settings. These natural products possess various antitumour qualities and have shown to be safe, inexpensive, and well-tolerated. ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to thoroughly assess and describe the most recent studies on natural products and their multifunctional roles in PCa therapy methods. In order to evaluate the efficiency and safety of these natural compounds in clinical settings, it is important to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, identify prospective molecular targets, and regulatory molecules. MethodologyIn 2023, our team conducted thorough searches across multiple databases for studies published from 1990 to 2023, with a major emphasis on 2010–2023, using specific keywords and headings related to natural products and PCa. We included relevant older studies published as early as 2000. Original articles and review papers were included as part of the criteria. ResultThe results showed that natural compounds, plant extracts, nutraceuticals, and marine products hold great potential as therapeutic approaches for PCa. Compounds like quercetin, fisetin, genistein, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsenosides, silymarin, berberine, celastrol, and honokiol have shown inhibitory effects on the androgen receptor axis, similar to synthetic drugs. Additionally, compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, curcumin, sulforaphane, and genistein have demonstrated promise in targeting PCa stem cells. Nutraceuticals like green tea, legumes rich in phytoestrogens, tomatoes with lycopene, buckwheat containing quercetin, and guava rich in phytochemicals have exhibited antiprostate cancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and displaying antioxidant properties. Moreover, marine products, including compounds like discorhabdin C, 1386A, frondoside A, and marinomycin A, have displayed potent anticancer activity against PCa cells by triggering apoptosis and exhibiting cytotoxic properties. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the promising role of natural compounds, plant extracts, nutraceuticals, and marine products in developing innovative therapeutic strategies for PCa. However, further research is needed to better understand their mechanisms of action, evaluate their efficacy and safety in clinical settings, and determine optimal dosages and treatment regimens.