Novel plant-derived target drugs: a step forward from licorice?

Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2013 Apr;17(4):333-5. doi: 10.1517/14728222.2013.773312. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Abstract

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone compound with valuable pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-allergic activities. With regard to anticancer property, ISL was able to suppress HIF-1α level, VEGF expression and secretion, cell migration and to decrease the expression and secretion of MMP-9/-2. These effects may be mediated through inhibition of p38, PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. Thus, low concentration of ISL may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of aggressive breast carcinoma and other neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Chalcones / pharmacology
  • Chalcones / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Female
  • Glycyrrhiza / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Chalcones
  • isoliquiritigenin