Saponins in tumor therapy.

Abstract

Saponins are plant glycosides with favorable anti-tumorigenic properties. Several saponins inhibit tumor cell growth by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with IC50 values of up to 0.2 microM. We discuss diverse groups of saponins (dioscins, saikosaponins, julibrosides, soy saponins, ginseng saponins and avicins) investigated in relation to tumor therapy and focus on cellular and systemic mechanisms of tumor cell growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. The review also describes saponins in combination with conventional tumor treatment strategies, which result in improved therapeutic success. Some combinations of saponins and anti-tumorigenic drugs induce synergistic effects with potentiated growth inhibition.

• Authors: Christopher Bachran, Silke Bachran, Mark Sutherland, Diana Bachran, Hendrik Fuchs
• Journal: Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry (Mini Rev Med Chem) Vol. 8 Issue 6 Pg. 575-84 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1389-5575 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 18537712 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Saponins

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Humans
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Saponins (chemistry, classification, therapeutic use)