Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Liver Cancer and Their Potential Mechanisms

Abstract

Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate, prompting a growing demand for novel, safe, and effective therapies. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates in drug development due to their diverse biological activities, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. This paper begins by reviewing existing treatment methods and drugs for liver cancer. It then summarizes the therapeutic effects of NPs sourced from various origins on liver cancer. Finally, we analyze the potential mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer, including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of the cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; regulation of intestinal function; and regulation of key signaling pathways. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NPs research in liver cancer treatment, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

Keywords: liver cancer; mechanisms of action; natural products; therapeutic drugs.

Figure 1

Current drugs and methods of treatment for liver cancer. Highlighting in red font indicates the limitations of the approach.

Figure 2

Mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J represent the primary pathways through which NPs treat liver cancer; K denotes the key signaling pathway through which NPs improve liver cancer.

Figure 3

Mechanistic map of signaling pathways associated with NPs for liver cancer treatment. H19, long non-coding RNA H19; EMT, epithelial–mesenchymal transition.