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Anticancer activity of limonene: A systematic review of target signaling pathways
Author(s) -
AraújoFilho Heitor Gomes de,
Santos Jucilene F.,
Carvalho Mikaella T. B.,
Picot Laurent,
FruitierArnaudin Ingrid,
Groult Hugo,
QuintansJúnior Lucindo J.,
Quintans Jullyana S.S.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.7125
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , protein kinase b , mapk/erk pathway , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , apoptosis , signal transduction , cancer research , cancer cell , pharmacology , cancer , chemistry , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , genetics
Limonene (LIM) is a monoterpene, which is abundant in essential oils of Citrus fruits peels (Rutaceae). More recently, LIM, as a potential natural anticancer compound, has attracted major attention and exerted a chemopreventive activity, stimulating the detoxification of carcinogenic compounds and limiting tumor growth and angiogenesis in various cancer models. Twenty‐six (26) articles were selected based on previously established criteria. Anticancer activity of LIM was related to the inhibition of tumor initiation, growth, and angiogenesis and the induction of cancer cells apoptosis. LIM was able to increase Bax expression, release cytochrome c, and activate the caspase pathway. In addition, LIM increased the expression of p53 and decreased the activity of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. LIM also decreased the expression of VEGF and increased the activities of the Man‐6‐P / IGF2R and TGF‐βIIR receptors. These results highlight LIM as an abundant natural molecule with low toxicity and pleiotropic pharmacological activity in cancer cells, targeting various cell‐signaling pathways critically involved in the initiation, growth, and chemoresistance of cancer cells.