Abstract
Oxidative stress, caused by the overproduction of free radicals, leads to the development of many chronic diseases including cancer. Free radicals are known to damage cellular biomolecules like lipids, proteins, and DNA that results in activation of multiple signaling pathways, growth factors, transcription factors, kinases, inflammatory and cell cycle regulatory molecules. Antioxidants, which are classified as exogenous and endogenous, are responsible for the removal of free radicals and consequently the reduction in oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Diet and medicinal herbs are the major source of antioxidants. Triphala, which is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that has been used for centuries, has been shown to have immense potential to boost antioxidant activity. It scavenges free radicals, restores antioxidant enzymes and non-enzyme levels, and decreases lipid peroxidation. In addition, Triphala is revered as a chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, immunomodulatory, and radioprotective agent. Accumulated evidence has revealed that Triphala modulates multiple cell signaling pathways including, ERK, MAPK, NF-κB, Akt, c-Myc, VEGFR, mTOR, tubulin, p53, cyclin D1, anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins. The present review focuses on the comprehensive appraisal of Triphala in oxidative stress and cancer.
Highlights
Cancer is a major health problem worldwide and the second leading cause of death
The present review focuses on the comprehensive appraisal of Triphala in oxidative stress and cancer
Triphala has been used for centuries against various ailments, recent in vitro, in vivo and human studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy against multiple diseases including cancer
Summary
Cancer is a major health problem worldwide and the second leading cause of death. According to the American Cancer Society, 1,762,450 new cancer cases and 606,880 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States in 2019 [1]. External factors include the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, exposure to hazardous chemicals, ionizing radiation, infectious organisms, and other lifestyle factors, whereas internal factors include inherited mutations, an imbalanced hormone level, and poor immune conditions [4] These factors affect the incidence and mortality of cancer by modifying cellular systems of the organism. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 72 control the incidence of cancer, external factors such as lifestyle and environmental factors need to be modified This can be achieved through the cessation of smoking, minimal use of alcohol, increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, physical activity, avoidance of direct exposure to sunlight, minimal red meat consumption, proper vaccinations, and routine screening. It has been shown that adopting changes in lifestyle can reduce over 90% of cancer incidence [5]
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