Natural products against cancer angiogenesis

Tumour Biol. 2016 Nov;37(11):14513-14536. doi: 10.1007/s13277-016-5364-8. Epub 2016 Sep 20.

Abstract

The process of angiogenesis is quite well-known nowadays. Some medicines and extracts affecting this process are already used routinely in supporting the conventional treatment of many diseases that are considered angiogenic such as cancer. However, we must be aware that the area of currently used drugs of this type is much narrower than the theoretical possibilities existing in therapeutic angiogenesis. Plant substances are a large and diverse group of compounds that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. They also have different anticancer properties. The aim of this literature review article is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the molecular targets of tumor angiogenesis and the active substances (polyphenols, alkaloids, phytohormones, carbohydrates, and terpenes) derived from natural sources, whose activity against cancer angiogenesis has been confirmed.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Cancer; Chemoprevention; Natural products; Targets.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoprevention
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use*
  • Plants, Medicinal

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Plant Preparations