Tumor preventive properties of selected marine pigments against colon and breast cancer

Background: Despite the advancements in cancer research, cancers molecular mechanism and therapeutic response frequently remain a mystery. Previous reports mainly focused on natural therapeutic compounds as drugs. Over the past few decades, several initiatives focused on isolating and identifying novel marine compounds as anticancer agents. This review aimed to systematically review the anticancer potential of marine pigments against the two most prevalent forms of cancer, breast and colon cancer, in vitro and in vivo and their mechanisms of action. Hypothesis: Marine pigments may serve as therapeutic drugs to target breast and colon cancer. Results: Marine organisms are recognized as the primary source of pigments, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phycobilipmteins. Marine pigments, beta-carotene, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, violaxanthin, halocynthiaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, peridinin, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll derivatives show effective anti-proliferative effects against breast and colon cancer cell lines by activation of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, and arresting of the cell cycle. Conclusion: Although the results of in vitro and in vivo studies are encouraging, further well-conducted clinical studies on humans and commercialization of pigments are required to conclude the full potential of marine pigments as anticancer drugs.

Automated summary

Marine pigments are considered a potential source of anticancer drugs, showing effective anti-proliferative effects against breast and colon cancer cell lines. While the results of studies are promising, further clinical research and commercialization are needed to fully explore the potential of marine pigments as anticancer drugs.