Anti-cancer effects of oxymatrine are mediated through multiple molecular mechanism(s) in tumor models

Publication date: Available online 5 July 2019Source: Pharmacological ResearchAuthor(s): Clarissa Esmeralda Halim, Shannon Lee Xinjing, Lu Fan, Jacqueline Bailey Vitarbo, Frank Arfuso, Chay Hoon Tan, Acharan S. Narula, Alan Prem Kumar, Gautam Sethi, Kwang Seok AhnAbstractOxymatrine (OMT) is a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the roots of the Sophora genus plants. It has been widely used as a treatment for chronic hepatitis infections and inflammatory diseases due to its effective immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, the potential anti-cancer effects of OMT have been actively studied in various cancers. It is demonstrated to induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, including those of colorectal cancer, gall bladder carcinoma, and leukemia. Moreover, it reduces tumor growth in different in vivo models as well as augmenting the anti-cancer effects of existing chemotherapeutics on tumor cells. OMT regulates various oncogenic signaling pathways such as the Akt, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways to exert its cytotoxicity against cancer. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the potential of OMT as an anti-cancer therapeutic through the modulation of diverse oncogenic molecular targets.Graphical abstract
Source: Pharmacological Research - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research