One of the most common cancers in males is prostate cancer, which
frequently appears later in life after 65 years. Prostate cancer is the second most
frequent disease in men globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO),
with 1.3 million new cases identified in 2018. Although the composite molecular
mechanisms that cause prostate cancer are still not fully understood, certain important factors have been identified. These include mutations in the androgen receptor gene
and the tumor suppressor gene known as prostate cancer gene 1 (PCA1) or “BRCA1”,
which are linked to prostate cancer. Furthermore, overproduction of prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) and changes in the concentrations or functions of particular proteins,
such as cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), function as indicators of prostate cancer
and aid in its progression. Age, family history, ethnicity, food, obesity, and exposure to
specific chemicals and hormones are risk factors. Depending on the stage of the disease
and the patient's general condition, the main treatment options for prostate cancer
include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy,
and active surveillance. Examining several strategies, natural products—especially
those derived from plants—have shown signs of having anti-cancer qualities and are
being researched as possible treatments for prostate cancer. Among these,
andrographolide—a diterpenoid lactone compound—has attracted attention. It is
extracted from the leaves of the Andrographis paniculata plant, traditionally used in
Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Andrographolide and its analogs are being studied
for their potential to treat a variety of malignancies, including prostate cancer, due to
their well-known pharmacological actions, which include anti-inflammatory,
anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant qualities. Studies show that they have
antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and antimetastatic properties in animal models and
prostate cancer cell lines, suggesting they may be a valuable treatment for prostate
cancer.
Keywords: Andrographolide, analogs, Antioxidants, Anti-cancer activity, Natural products, Prostate cancer.