Exploring Punicalagin Potential Against Cancers: A Comprehensive Review
Muhammad Hammad Ul Hassan, Muhammad Shahbaz, Ushna Momal, Hammad Naeem, Muhammad Imran, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Ehab M. Mostafa, Ahmed H. El‐Ghorab, Suliman A. Alsagaby, Waleed Al Abdulmonem, Muzzamal Hussain, Tadesse Fenta Yehuala
Abstract
Punicalagin, being a bioactive polyphenol, has gained significant interest owing to its potential anticancer effects. Researchers are studying punicalagin to determine its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. This paper focuses on highlighting the therapeutic potential of punicalagin against tumors and cancers. Punicalagin inhibits tumor growth within the body through various cellular pathway interactions. This compound effectively eliminates tumor cells from the liver, stomach, prostate, and lungs. Different animal model studies have demonstrated the potential of punicalagin in blocking the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, fighting against cancer. Through the inhibition of cell division, punicalagin may be capable of eradicating breast cancer cells. Punicalagin strongly inhibits the activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and uPA. Punicalagin effectively inhibits the androgen receptor (AR), a protein essential for the development and metastasis of prostate cancer. Lung cancer cells can be eliminated by initiating the caspase cascade and inhibiting protein synthesis, which is facilitated by punicalagin. In numerous animal models, punicalagin significantly reduces metastasis. Cyclokinase B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 promote colon cancer; when colon cancer cells reach the G2/M phase, punicalagin induces apoptosis by inhibiting the action of these proteins. Punicalagin inhibits tumor development and cancer propagation by inhibiting blood vessel proliferation. There is still a need for further clinical trials and studies to fully reveal punicalagin's potential as well as its safety; despite the fact that it may decrease the threat of increasing tumors and provide an alternative treatment for many cancers.