Phytochemicals used in the Treatment of Hepatic Cancer or Cervical Cancer

Abstract

The treatment of hepatic and cervical cancers has been a significant area of research due to their high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Phytochemicals, natural compounds derived from plants, have been explored for their anticancer properties due to their ability to modulate various molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis. This review provides an overview of various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, that have demonstrated potential in the treatment of hepatic and cervical cancers. The review also discusses the mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical findings, and future prospects for phytochemical-based therapies in oncology.

Introduction

Background and Rationale

• Hepatic (liver) and cervical cancers are globally prevalent, with HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) being the dominant form of liver cancer, especially in Asia and Africa. It is often linked to hepatitis B/C infections, cirrhosis, toxins, alcohol, and metabolic diseases.

• Conventional treatments (e.g., Sorafenib, immunotherapies) provide only marginal survival benefits and often cause side effects or treatment resistance.

• Phytochemicals—bioactive compounds derived from plants—are being explored as alternative or adjunct cancer therapies due to their low toxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties.

Key Phytochemicals and Their Anti-Cancer Roles

Hepatic Cancer:

1. Curcumin (turmeric): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; modulates NF-κB, STAT3, MAPK to induce apoptosis.

2. Silymarin (milk thistle): Hepatoprotective, induces apoptosis, affects cell cycle regulators.

3. EGCG (green tea): Works via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

4. Resveratrol (grapes): Antioxidant, inhibits metastasis, modulates PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT.

5. Quercetin (various plants): Induces apoptosis, inhibits growth.

Cervical Cancer:

1. Apigenin (celery): Causes cell cycle arrest, induces apoptosis, modulates NF-κB and p53.

2. Berberine (Berberis): Induces autophagy and apoptosis via AMPK/mTOR.

3. Genistein (soy): Modulates estrogen receptors, inhibits angiogenesis.

4. EGCG, Lycopene, Silymarin: All show antiproliferative effects.

Mechanisms of Action of Phytochemicals

• Induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial or death receptor pathways.

• Cell cycle arrest at various checkpoints (G1, S, G2/M).

• Inhibition of angiogenesis (via VEGF suppression).

• Inhibition of metastasis (via MMP inhibition, p53 enhancement).

• Modulation of key signaling pathways: PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin.

Scientific Evidence

• Preclinical evidence: Strong in vitro and animal model results for many phytochemicals.

• Clinical trials: Mixed results—some success with curcumin, silymarin, EGCG—but limited by issues like bioavailability and inconsistent outcomes.

Challenges and Limitations

1. Poor bioavailability: Rapid metabolism and clearance.

2. Dosage and toxicity: Effective yet safe dosages are hard to determine.

3. Drug interactions: Potential synergistic or antagonistic effects with conventional drugs.

4. Physiological barriers: In HCC, abnormal blood flow and dense extracellular matrix hinder drug delivery.

Future Directions

• Nanotechnology: Nanoparticle formulations improve solubility, absorption, and targeted delivery.

• Combination therapies: Pairing phytochemicals with chemo/immunotherapies for better outcomes.

• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on tumor genetics and patient profiles.

• Targeted delivery systems: Using specific biomarkers (e.g., chondroitin sulfate in HCC) to enhance drug targeting.

Tumor Biology Considerations in HCC

• Tumor microenvironment (TME): Includes immune cells, fibroblasts, and ECM—all influencing treatment response.

• Drug delivery limitations: Poor portal vein perfusion, sinusoidal changes, ECM barriers hinder systemic drug/nano-drug access.

• Emerging targets: New pathways and molecules (e.g., Bcl-2 proteins, matrix metalloproteinases) present promising intervention points.

Conclusion

Phytochemicals, derived from natural plant sources, hold significant promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hepatic and cervical cancers. These compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, have demonstrated potential in inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, and modulating key molecular signaling pathways involved in cancer progression. While preclinical studies provide compelling evidence of their efficacy, the clinical translation of these phytochemicals faces challenges such as bioavailability, optimal dosing, and potential interactions with conventional therapies. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of these phytochemicals faces challenges such as bioavailability, optimal dosing, and potential interactions with conventional therapies. Nevertheless, the growing body of research suggests that phytochemicals could be integrated into future cancer treatment regimens, either as standalone therapies or as adjuncts to traditional treatments. Further clinical trials and advancements in drug delivery technologies will be crucial in fully realizing the potential of phytochemicals in cancer therapy.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sai Shirsath, Vaishnavi Mate , Anushka Sonawane, Vedika Dongare, Pooja Sapale. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.