Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Furanocoumarins from Ammi majus L

Abstract

Secondary metabolites have potential benefits to human being. They are used in the food, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. The secondary metabolite of furanocoumarins from different plant sources is essential in various skin-related ailments. Biologically, these chemicals are isolated from different plants in the Apiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Moraceae families. Ammi majus L. is one of the most common plants in the family of Apiaceae with a large quantity of derivatives. The furanocoumarin derivatives defend the plant by fighting external enemies by Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). Via suppressing or retarding microbial growth in infected parts, these derivatives, along with SAR, help to alleviate inflammation in the human body. Latest evidence of these compounds has been established in the treatment of cancer, but the mechanism that needs to be elaborated is not yet understood. Recent studies have shown that furanocoumarin derivatives bind to DNA base pairs and block DNA replication. This may be a potential pathway that helps to regulate the growth of cancerous cells. This article reflects on the pharmaceutical data of furanocoumarins and their different mechanisms in these cases.

Keywords: Ammi majus; ROS; cancer; furanocoumarins; inflammation; secondary metabolites.