Molecular targets and mechanisms of anti-cancer effects of withanolides

Withanolides are a class of natural products with a steroidal lactone structure that exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. To date, several studies have shown that their possible mechanisms in cancer development and progression are associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Withanolides can also attenuate inflammatory responses, as well as modulate the genomic instability and energy metabolism of cancer cells. In addition, they may improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments as adjuvants to traditional cancer therapeutics. Herein, we summarize the molecular targets and mechanisms of withanolides in different cancers, as well as their current clinical studies on them.

Automated summary

Withanolides are a class of natural products that possess a steroidal lactone structure and exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. Their mechanisms in cancer development and progression involve the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In addition, Withanolides can attenuate inflammatory responses and modulate the genomic instability and energy metabolism of cancer cells. They also have the potential to enhance the safety and efficacy of traditional cancer therapeutics.