Sulforaphane, the Phytochemical that could (kill cancer stem cells that is)!

Sulforaphane is an anti-cancer compound in cruciferous vegetables, mostly commonly credited to Broccoli. Here’s another another amazing natural compound in the Isothiocyanate family. It down regulates glutathione, increases ROS, and inhibits WNT signaling in the cancer cells. As usual, follow the links for the research.

Sulforaphane, a Dietary Component of Broccoli/Broccoli Sprouts, Inhibits Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Phytochemicals as Innovative Therapeutic Tools against Cancer Stem Cells

Implications of Cancer Stem Cell Theory for Cancer Chemoprevention by Natural Dietary Compounds

Sulforaphane Retards the Growth of Human PC-3 Xenografts and Inhibits HDAC Activity in Human Subjects

Synergistic Activity of Sorafenib and Sulforaphane Abolishes Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics

 

Noscapine: from cough syrup to cancer

Noscapine is a phthalide isoquinoline non-narcotic alkaloid derived from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum, with mild analgesic, antitussive, and potential antineoplastic activities. Noscapine exerts its antitussive effects through the activation of sigma opioid receptors. This agent appears to exert its antimitotic effect by binding to tubulin, resulting in a disruption of microtubule assembly dynamics and subsequently, the inhibition of mitosis and tumor cell death.

Here’s another mild compound that has been in use for quite some time and could be re-purposed as a cancer fighting drug, particularly in a cocktail approach. Its anti-mitotic properties would come in quite handy. As usual follow the links to find out what this compound offers.

A Safe Cough Suppressant with Newly Discovered Effects in Treating Cancer and Stroke

Microtubules, leukemia, and cough syrup

Study Shows That A Cough Medicine Ingredient Could Effectively Treat Prostate Cancer

Noscapine and Its Analogues as Anti-Cancer Agents

Antitumor Activity of Noscapine in Combination with Doxorubicin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Noscapine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, sensitizes leukemic cells to chemotherapeutic agents and cytokines by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway

Noscapine Induced Apoptosis via Downregulation of Survivin in Human Neuroblastoma Cells Having Wild Type or Null p53

Noscapine Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells by Regulating Mitochondrial Damage and Warburg Effect via PTEN/PI3K/mTOR Signaling Pathway