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Research: SINGH and AGARWAL,
Listed in Issue 109
Abstract
SINGH and AGARWAL, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Cancer Center, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, USA, have reviewed (118 references) the prevention of prostate cancer by silibinin. Abstract: One targeted approach for prostate cancer prevention, growth control and/or treatment could be inhibition of molecular events involved in the growth, progression and angiogenesis of prostate cancer cells. Silibinin, the major active compound in silymarin, has shown promising efficacy in this respect. Extensive studies with silymarin and prostate cancer cells have shown the anticancer effects leading to cell growth inhibition in culture and nude mice. The underlying mechanisms of silymarin efficacy against prostate cancer involve alteration in cell cycle progression, and inhibition of mitogenic and cell survival signalling, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor receptor type I and nuclear factor kappa B signalling. Silibinin also synergizes the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin in these cells, making it a strong candidate for combination chemotherapy. Silymarin also inhibits the secretion of pro-angiogenic factors from tumour cells, and causes growth inhibition and programmed cell death of endothelial cells. More importantly, silibinin inhibits the growth of in vivo advanced human prostate tumour cells in nude mice. Recently, silibinin has entered in phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer patients.
Background
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
References
Singh RP, Agarwal R. Prostate cancer prevention by silibinin. Current Cancer Drug Targets 4(1): 1-11, Feb 2004.
Comment
The above two studies from Italy and the USA investigating the efficacy and action of St John's Wort and silibinin, the major compound in silymarin, at molecular, cell culture and animal cell levels, both demonstrated significant inhibition of prostate cancer cells. In fact, silibinin is now in phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer patients. This research confirms that considerable efforts are ongoing regarding the mechanism of herbal medicines against prostate cancer.
