Cell Growth Regulation and Molecular Targets of Lupeol

Abstract

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene found in various fruits and vegetables, has garnered significant attention for its multifaceted therapeutic potential, particularly in cancer treatment. Its molecular targets and mechanisms of action have been extensively studied, revealing its role as an effective anticancer agent through various pathways. Lupeol modulates apoptosis and proliferation signaling pathways to fight cancer. Lupeol affects cell cycle regulatory proteins to promote apoptosis in prostate, breast, and liver cancer cell lines. Lupeol leads to G2/M phase arrest and death in prostate cancer cells (PC3 and DU145) by suppressing NF-κB activation and downregulating β-catenin signaling. Lupeol can also limit tumor growth and promote apoptosis by suppressing the STAT3 signaling pathway, which is elevated in many malignancies. Lupeol effectively targets the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, essential for cell survival and growth. The dual effect of lupeol on cancer cell signaling and anti-inflammatory qualities may help fight cancer. It alters the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, which are increased in the tumor microenvironment and contribute to cancer growth. The medicinal potential of lupeol goes beyond cancer. Its antioxidant and androgen receptor inhibitor properties make it a prospective treatment for androgen-dependent malignancies like prostate cancer. So, lupeol acts on multiple molecular targets and pathways, including apoptosis regulation, cell cycle arrest, and inflammatory response modulation, making it a versatile compound in cancer therapy. Its ability to inhibit key signaling pathways associated with tumor growth and survival underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent in various malignancies.