Nuclear factor-kappaBeta (NF-kappaBeta) is a
transcription factor that is activated in response to various inflammatory stimuli such as
cytokines,
growth factors,
hormones,
mitogens,
carcinogens, chemotherapeutic agents, viral products, eukaryotic parasites,
endotoxin,
fatty acids, metals, radiation,
hypoxia, and psychological, physical, oxidative, and chemical stresses. In addition, constitutively active NF-kappaBeta is frequently encountered in a wide variety of
tumors. Furthermore, NF-kappaBeta activation has been shown to regulate the expression of over 400 genes involved in cellular transformation, proliferation,
inflammation, viral replication, antiapoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and
metastasis, oxidative stress, and osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, because of the critical role NF-kappaBeta plays in the pathogenesis of
cancer, specific inhibitors of this factor are being sought. Agents that prevent
cancer or
inflammation have been found to suppress NF-kappaBeta activation. Numerous reports indicate that ancient plants and their components are potent as
NF-kappaB inibitors. However, ancient medicine such as
traditional Chinese medicine,
Kampo, Ayurveda requires rediscovery in light of our current knowledge of allopathic (modern) medicine for the therapeutic and preventive purpose. In this review, we present evidence that numerous agents identified from fruits and vegetables can interfere with NF-kappaBeta pathway. The structure of drugs and their relationship with NF-kappaBeta inhibitory activity is discussed.