Title:The Therapeutic Effects of Withaferin A against Cancer: Overview
and Updates
Volume: 24
Issue: 4
Author(s): Prathapan Abeesh and Chandrasekaran Guruvayoorappan*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional
Cancer Centre, (Research Centre, University of Kerala), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Keywords:
Withaferin A, natural compound, signalling, cancer, targets, cancer therapy.
Abstract: Cancer is a rapidly rising health problem among the global population, and
this burden causes a significant challenge for public health. Current chemotherapeutic
agents have different limitations, including drug resistance and severe side effects, and it
demands a robust approach to accessing promising anti-cancer therapeutics. The
natural compounds have been extensively studied to identify improved therapeutic
agents for cancer therapy. Withaferin A (WA) is a steroidal lactone found in Withania
somnifera and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, and anticancer
properties. Multiple studies have shown that WA treatment attenuated various
cancer hallmarks by inducing apoptosis and reducing angiogenesis and metastasis with
reduced side effects. WA is a promising agent for the treatment of various cancer, and it
targets various signaling pathways. With recent updates, the current review highlights
the therapeutic implications of WA and its molecular targets in different cancer.