Antitumor mechanisms and future clinical applications of the natural product triptolide

Shiwei Bao; Mei Yi; Bo Xiang; Pan Chen

doi:10.1186/s12935-024-03336-y

Antitumor mechanisms and future clinical applications of the natural product triptolide

Cancer Cell Int. 2024 Apr 27;24(1):150. doi: 10.1186/s12935-024-03336-y.

Authors

Shiwei Bao^{1

2

3

4}, Mei Yi⁵, Bo Xiang^{6

7

8

9}, Pan Chen¹⁰

Affiliations

¹ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
² The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
³ FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
⁴ Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
⁵ Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
⁶ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. xiangbolin@csu.edu.cn.
⁷ The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China. xiangbolin@csu.edu.cn.
⁸ FuRong Laboratory, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China. xiangbolin@csu.edu.cn.
⁹ Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. xiangbolin@csu.edu.cn.
¹⁰ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. chenpan@hnca.org.cn.

Abstract

Triptolide (TPL) is a compound sourced from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb recognized for its impressive anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, immunosuppressive, and antitumor qualities. Notwithstanding its favorable attributes, the precise mechanism through which TPL influences tumor cells remains enigmatic. Its toxicity and limited water solubility significantly impede the clinical application of TPL. We offer a comprehensive overview of recent research endeavors aimed at unraveling the antitumor mechanism of TPL in this review. Additionally, we briefly discuss current strategies to effectively manage the challenges associated with TPL in future clinical applications. By compiling this information, we aim to enhance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in TPL and identify potential avenues for further advancement in antitumor therapy.

Keywords: Clinical application; Molecular mechanism; Natural product; Triptolide; Tumor.

Publication types

Review

Abstract

Publication types

Grants and funding