Zingiberaceae () or the ginger family is a family of flowering plants made up of about 50 genera with a total of about 1600 known species of aromatic perennial herbs with creeping horizontal or tuberous rhizomes distributed throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Many of the family's species are important ornamental, spice, or medicinal plants. Ornamental genera include the shell gingers (Alpinia), Siam or summer tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia), Globba, ginger lily (Hedychium), Kaempferia, ...

zingiberaceae

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer

The most important thing about cancer

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The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_1

Cancer is a complex genetic disorder that catalyzes the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body, leading to life-threatening consequences. Aging, differences in lifestyle, genetic factors, hormonal changes and environmental exposure to carcinogens constitute major factors leading to cancer activation in humans. 1

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According to 2020 statistics, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Globally, about 17 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this trend is forecast to intensify dramatically in the near future. About 36 types of cancer have already been identified in humans, and a significant association between sex and type of cancer has been observed. Men are usually more prone to colorectal cancer, liver, lung, prostate and stomach cancers, while women suffer more from breast, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and thyroid cancer. 2&nbsp;

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In general, the development of cancer can be divided into three stages:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which exposure to a carcinogen induces DNA damage and mutations at the cellular level due to damage/error in DNA repair mechanisms;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which cell expansion leads to hyper proliferation, modification and inflammation of cells/tissues;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Progression in which tumor formation occurs from preneoplastic cells by clonal expansion. 3</li></ul>DNA damage causes genomic instability, which is a major cause of cancer 4. Although some of the conventional methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are effective in treating cancer, they can lead to major side effects and toxicity.

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Given the lack of effective and safe approaches, as well as the complexity of cancers, the development of new and natural chemotherapeutic agents is strongly needed. In this respect, the pharmacological properties of certain essential oils may be available therapies to suppress cancer. 5

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects

Essential oils: general information and biological effects

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The discovery of natural plant-based products is rightly recognized as a milestone in the history of healthcare, and their introduction to the market in combination with synthetic drugs helps to lead favorably in various health problems. As a result, the extraction of plant secondary metabolites, such as essential oils by steam or hydrodistillation processes, has made significant progress over the years. Stored in oil/resinous ducts, glands or trichomes of plants, these essential oils play an important role in protecting against extraneous agents and are involved in signal transduction pathways.&nbsp;

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Essential oils are a complex mixture of various chemical compounds, mainly characterized by volatility, aroma, low molecular weight and density. The diverse biological properties of essential oils stem from differences in their chemical composition and structure. At present, three main classes of components in essential oils have been identified, namely terpenes and terpenoids (with major contributions), phenols and aliphatic compounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The data from the study on which this article is based are focused on studies dealing only with in vitro (non-living test)/in vivo (live testing) anticancer activities of essential oils in general. The analysis in Scopus was carried out for the last 10 years (2011–2020) on September 14, 2021, so the information is up to date as of that date.

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature

Essential oils are cytotoxic in nature

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Essential oils cause programmed cell death of cancer cells through apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and dysfunction of major cellular organelles. This is coordinated by an increase in membrane fluidity of the affected cell, decreased generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a change in the pH gradient and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are the main precursors of cell death. All three main types of chemical components in oils, i.e. phenols, aldehydes and alcohols, have been described to fulfil this function.

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents

Essential oils such as antimutagenic and antiproliferative agents

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Antioxidants are defined as compounds that can inhibit/slow the oxidation of free radicals when used in small amounts. Antioxidant action is one of the key biological properties of essential oils to cope with oxidative stress. For example, under in vivo conditions, increasing the activity of various antioxidant enzymes and oxidized glutathione from the components of the oil of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.&nbsp; provides protection against lung cancer in mice. 6

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With regard to the antimutagenic activity of essential oils, cancer can be inhibited by preventing the direct penetration of mutagens into the cell membrane, inactivating mutagens by direct clearance, trapping free radicals produced by mutagens, inhibiting the conversion of promutagens to mutagens by cytochrome P450 enzyme, enzymatic detoxification of mutagens, and efficient error-free DNA repair.&nbsp;

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils

Antiproliferative activity of essential oils

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Essential oils can exert an antiproliferative effect through multiple mechanisms, including cell membrane disruption (depolarization, increase in membrane permeability, or decrease in the activity of membrane-bound enzymes) and induction of apoptosis. 7

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines

Essential oils and their constituents in different cancer cell lines 

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Over the past few years, the chemoprevention of cancer using essential oils or their components has attracted a lot of attention among the scientific community. Many in vitro/in vivo studies have highlighted the anticancer activity of oils and, more precisely, their main constituents in various tumour cell lines. Next, we will look at who they are and in which types of cancer they can have the necessary effect.

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer

Essential oils for breast cancer

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Abies koreana (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyperus articulatus L. (Cyperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia atroviridis Griff. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia celebica L. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glandora rosmarinifolia (Boraginaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helichrysum gymnocephalum (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Altingiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans. (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus Apiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Solanum spirale Roxb.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer

Essential oils in human breast cancer

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrelopsis grevei (Rutaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Melaleuca armillaris(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monodora myristica (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Satureja montana L. subsp. pisidica (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma

Essential oils in human glioblastoma

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma

Essential oils in human colon carcinoma

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (Huaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii Hochr. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils in human mammary adenocarcinoma

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nepeta ucranica L. spp. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer

Essential oils for prostate cancer

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bursera glabrifolia (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon giganteus. (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer

Essential oils for colorectal cancer

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aquilaria crassna (Thymelaeaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus camaldulensis. (Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thymus fallax (Lamiaceae)</li></ul>&nbsp;

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia

Essential oils in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus excela (Cupressaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus pinea L. (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrus libani (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer

Essential oils for lung cancer

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus globulus(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pluchea dioscoridis L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber striolatum (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer

Essential oils for liver cancer

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-melanoma

Essential oils in melanoma

Essential-oils-in-melanoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris&nbsp; (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria friesiana (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neolitsea variabillima (Lauraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils for ovarian adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mentha villosa Huds. (Lamiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria pogonopus Mart. (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils

Anticancer effect of the main ingredients of essential oils

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D-limonene, monoterpene in the fruit peels of citrus essential oils (90–95%) exhibits cytotoxicity against stomach cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma. Similarly, carvacrol (phenolic monoterpenoid) can inhibit tumor growth in stomach cancer cells by increasing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-linked X protein, apoptosis regulator) and caspases with concomitant reduction of Bcl-2 (B -cell lymphoma 2) expression. Citral showed antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, Ishikawa, ECC-1, LNCaP, PC-3, SF-767, SF-763, LU134AM, LU135, LU165, MN1112, HCT116, HT-29, AGS, NB4, and A431.

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A combined formula of citral (80 μM) and curcumin (40 μM) also acts synergistically in suppressing the growth of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by inducing apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the G0/ G1 phase. In vitro/in vivo cytotoxic potential of citronellol has been reported against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Citronellol induced cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 (NSCLC cell line) due to the increased expression of cyclins (cyclin D and E) and CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2). There was a decrease in tumour volume in mice treated with increasing doses of citronellol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1). An antiproliferative effect of geraniol (monoterpenoid) was observed in cells A549 (IC50 = 797.2 μM) and tumor growth was suppressed in mice (at 50 and 75 mmol geraniol kg-1 food) due to apoptosis and cell death.

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Globularifolin iridoid exhibits cytotoxicity against U87 glioma cells due to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion.

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In vitro cytotoxicity of quinocitiol (tropolone monoterpenoid) was observed (at 10 μM) in mouse melanoma cells (B16-F10); However, under in vivo conditions, mice treated with 10–20 μg michi-1 quinokitiol showed a decrease in tumor nodules. Increased expression of p53 (tumor suppressor), Bax, caspases, cytochrome c, and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphatase-3 and downregulation of survivin (apoptosis inhibitor), MMPs, and phosphorylation of ERK has been reported to induce apoptosis in quinocitiol A549 and B16-F10-treated cells.&nbsp;

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Similarly, treatment with linalool (monoterpene alcohol) reduces proliferation and cell viability in colorectal cancer, colon carcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma and prostate cancer. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), one of the main components of garlic essential oil, stops the division of human esophageal squamous cell cancer cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Myristicin, an active component of nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans), exhibits cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis of K562 human leukemia cells.

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Other constituents of essential oils, such as bacuiol (monoterpene), myrtenal (bicyclic monoterpene), oleuropein (secoiridoid), perylyl alcohol (menthane monoterpene), thymol (monocyclic phenolic monoterpene), α-bisabolol (monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol), α-thujone (ketone monoterpene), camphene (bicyclic monoterpene), iatammanwaltrate P (iridoid ester), eugenol (phenylpropanoid), germakren D (sesquiterpene), nymbolide (terpenoid lactone), patchouli alcohol (sesquiterpene alcohol), α-Santalol (sesquiterpene), carveol (monocyclic monoterpenoid alcohol), carvone (monoterpene), isopulegol (monoterpene alcohol),&nbsp;&nbsp; β-caryophyllene oxide (bicyclic sesquiterpene) and β-elemen (sesquiterpenoid oxide)&nbsp; have also been reported as cytotoxic and antiproliferative compounds with anticancer effects.

It has been found that various essential oils possess countless biological activities and beneficial components that can affect the development of various forms of cancer. These essential oil constituents contribute to the potential anticancer, antitumor, and antiproliferative properties of essential oils. They are specific to each type of plant and can be the basis of anticancer therapy, as well as used in the form of liposomes/nanoemulsions/nanoparticles against various types of cancer.

Anti-cancer properties of essential oils and their components

Бетина Цветкова

What-is-colorectal-cancer?

What is colorectal cancer?

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_0

Colorectal cancer is a disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer can often be prevented by screening and is treatable when detected in time. 1

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_1

When it comes to colorectal cancer, the most important thing to consider is time. Therefore, if you want to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, pay attention to prevention as early as possible and start screening at the recommended age. Reading this article is a great start to get informed about this disease.

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_2

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people aged 45 years and older, but the disease increasingly affects younger people.&nbsp;

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_3

This disease usually begins as polyps, which are small growths of tissue in the colon. Most of them are not cancerous, but some can begin to grow uncontrollably and become cancerous.

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_4

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_5

Specifically, most cases of colorectal cancer begin in the cells of the mucus-producing glands that cover the intestines. These glandular cells can be found in polyps. Although there are other types of colon cancer, they are rare and treated differently.&nbsp;

What-is-colorectal-cancer?_0_6

Most precancerous polyps cause few, if any, symptoms. Therefore, it is extremely important to undergo routine screening for colon cancer, which must be announced by health authorities in a state strategy for screening and prevention of diseases.

Risk-factors-for-developing-colorectal-cancer

Risk factors for developing colorectal cancer

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Virtually any person can develop colorectal cancer, but several conditions can increase the risk, including:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inflammatory bowel diseases. such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Obesity</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lack of exercise</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diet: If you eat a lot of red meat, processed meat, or meat cooked at a very high temperature, you may be at higher risk.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Black/African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews are at higher risk.</li></ul>

Early-symptoms-of-colorectal-cancer

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer

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Many people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, more symptoms may appear. Symptoms may include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blood in or on the stool.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Persistent abnormal bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach pain, aches or cramps that do not go away.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight loss for no reason.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cramps in the lower abdomen.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swelling or a feeling of fullness.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Change in appetite.</li></ul>

Opportunities-and-Challenges-for-the-Treatment-of-Colorectal-Cancer

Opportunities and Challenges for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

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Regular screening can prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Screening means the process of identifying healthy people who may be at greater risk of developing a disease by assessing their risk factors. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.865801/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Herb and Spices in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Since a polyp takes 10&ndash;15 years to become cancerous, detecting and removing polyps at an early stage is crucial. However, only 40% of cases of colorectal cancer are detected at an early stage, and sometimes the cancer reappears after treatment.

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An essential part of the healing process can be played by both standard methods - chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, as well as additional methods that rely on herbal remedies. A number of scientific publications have examined the possibilities of using herbs or spices that find a place in the treatment of colorectal cancer.&nbsp;

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Unlike many chemotherapy drugs approved for use in different countries, the use of herbs does not damage healthy cells and does not cause fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting, sore throat, blood abnormalities and others that are part of the side effects of these drugs.

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Next, we will look at natural remedies with the potential for anti-cancer action, as well as their active ingredients that provide this action.&nbsp;

Natural-Remedies-for-the-Treatment-of-Colorectal-Cancer

Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

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The role of spices and herbs in inhibiting colorectal cancer cell growth has been reported in many recent studies. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/8/495" target="_blank" data-ref="Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancers" rel="noopener">[ref. 2</a> ] <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-57940-9?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=b0a91f2b-1dab-4a48-ace2-3f88f3c59c29" target="_blank" data-ref="Cucurbitacin B and I inhibits colon cancer growth by targeting the Notch signaling pathway - Scientific Reports" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The following herbs and spices can be used for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer:

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale-Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

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The botanical name of ginger is Zingiber officinale Roscoe, which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to Southeast Asia.

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Ginger is an excellent source of antioxidants used to treat diseases from colds to cancer. The popularity of ginger in scientific research has skyrocketed in recent years. As of August 15, 2021 (Scopus database), there were approximately 12,092 articles focusing on ginger's beneficial effects over the period 1853 and 2021.

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Ginger has at least 115 active compounds (volatile and non-volatile) in fresh and dried rhizomes, identified in various extracts. Among them are gingerols, shogaols and quercetin, which exert a variety of potent therapeutic and preventive effects, including anti-cancer effects. 5

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Specifically, ginger leaf extract induces apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells, HCT116, SW480 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells), and LoVo by activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). ATF3 is responsible for the induction of apoptosis in CRC cells by regulating the ERK1/2 pathway, where ginger leaves (50, 100 and 200μg/ml for 24 and 48h) interact with the cAMP-responding element-binding element (CREB) site and activate ATF3. 6

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Another study reported that ginger extract inhibited the growth of CRC (HCT-116) cells by lowering K-ras and MMP-2 marker gene expressions. K-ras is crucial in colorectal metastases through VGEF regulation, protease expression, apoptosis, adhesion and motility.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa-L.)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

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Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) also comes from the Zingiberaceae family. In addition to improving the taste, turmeric is one of the spices used to preserve food.&nbsp;

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Turmeric is rich in polyphenols and is known as the "miraculous medicine of life". The leading compound, curcumin, is responsible for a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activities.

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Turmeric powder contains various bioactive components. Dry turmeric contains 69.43% carbohydrates, 6.3% protein, 5.1% oils, 3.5% minerals and other elements (15.67%). Curcumin and Calebin A are the main compounds with a magnificent biological role in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

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Curcumin helps in the treatment of many diseases, including tendinitis, liver cirrhosis, Alzheimer's disease, heart attack, hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal problems, skin and eye infections, and cancer. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.oncotarget.com/article/19164/text/" target="_blank" data-ref="Nanoformulations of curcumin: an emerging paradigm for improved remedial application | Oncotarget" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

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Currently, the main emphasis is placed by scientists on the potential effects of curcumin on cancer. As of August 15, 2021 (Scopus database), the effect of turmeric/curcumin on cancer between 1881 and 2021 was the topic of 11,519 articles, with 53% related to cancer and 16% related specifically to colorectal cancer.&nbsp;

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Calebin A suppresses the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which promotes anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma (BCL-xL), B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2), proliferation (Cyclin D1), invasion biomarkers (MMP-9), metastases (CXCR4), as well as gene biomarkers for downregulated apoptosis (Caspase-3), ultimately leading to apoptosis in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT116) cells.&nbsp;

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In one study, it was demonstrated that administration of 25 μM curcumin, a potential NF-κB inhibitor, significantly suppressed NF-κB activation by inhibiting transcription factor E2F-1 and thymidylate synthase compared to untreated cell lines. It has also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties by inducing apoptosis and modulating various signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in gastric cancer and neurofibroma. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0014299908006729" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

Garlic-(Allium-sativum-L.)

Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

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&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/or.2014.3705" target="_blank" data-ref="Aged garlic extract inhibits 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon tumor development by suppressing cell proliferation" rel="noopener">Another</a> commonly consumed spice with anti-cancer properties is garlic (Allium sativum L.), a member of the Liliaceae family. Garlic has been shown to reduce the incidence of heart disease and cancer in epidemiological and preclinical studies, and is also claimed to be an anti-cancer food component.&nbsp;

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Garlic has about 33 sulfur compounds, including allin, allicin, ajoen, allyl propyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, S-allyl cysteine, vinyldithiins, S-allyl mercapto cysteine and others, several enzymes (i.e. alinase, peroxidases, myrosinase), 17 amino acids such as arginine and others, and minerals such as selenium, germanium, tellurium and other trace elements.&nbsp;

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As of August 15, 2021 (Scopus database), 19,339 articles related to the benefits of garlic consumption were reflected between 1854 and 2021.[1] One-third of these publications were related to its benefits in modulating cancer, while 8% were based on its benefits for colorectal cancer prevention and management.&nbsp;

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There is convincing evidence that garlic and the sulfur components contained in it can reduce the risk of cancer and affect the biological behavior of tumors. High garlic intake is associated with reduced risks to the stomach and the development of colorectal cancer, and these properties are associated with the content of diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, diallyl tetrasulfide, S-allyl mercaptocysteine, allicin, selenomethionine and se-methyl-L-selenocysteine.

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As noted in studies, old garlic extract and its bioactive compounds are good chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer due to their antiproliferative action on colorectal cancer cells and inhibitory activity on angiogenesis. AGE suppressed proliferation of different CRC cell lines, namely DLD1, COLO205, HT29, SW480 and SW620. There are various impacts on the invasive activities of these cell lines and the extract shows a significant decrease in invasive activity on SW480 and SW620 cells.&nbsp;

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These and other studies suggest that old garlic extract or the bioactive compounds of garlic, mainly selenomethionine and se-methyl-L-selenocysteine, may prevent tumor formation by inhibiting angiogenesis and suppressing motility, proliferation and other mechanisms of endothelial cells. Therefore, they could be good chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer due to their antiproliferative action on colorectal cancer cells and inhibitory activity on angiogenesis. 9

Fenugreek-(Trigonella-foenum-graecum-L.)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Herbs and spices contain various bioactive compounds that have many beneficial health effects. One of the most important is the anti-cancer action, which can have some herbs and spices quite available today. Among them are turmeric, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, sesame, flaxseed and others.
Although no one lives with the thought that cancer happen to him, with the type of cancer considered in the article - colorectal cancer - it is extremely important that it is diagnosed on time. Early diagnosis is always the basis for better treatment, so if you notice any of the listed symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If not, improve your diet with more fruits and vegetables, inform yourself about active prevention and screening campaigns as another step in health care. It is entirely in our hands.

zingiberaceae

Herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer

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Valuable herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of cancer (part two)

Herbs and spices for the prevention and treatment of cancer (part one)

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