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World J Exp Med. Jun 20, 2012; 2(3): 45-57
Published online Jun 20, 2012. doi: 10.5493/wjem.v2.i3.45
Natural compounds as anticancer agents: Experimental evidence
Jiao Wang, Yang-Fu Jiang
Jiao Wang, School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, China
Yang-Fu Jiang, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Author contributions: Wang J and Jiang YF equally contributed to this paper.
Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81001587
Correspondence to: Yang-Fu Jiang, Professor, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. jyangfu@scu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-28-85164044 Fax: +86-28-85164045
Received: February 21, 2012
Revised: June 6, 2012
Accepted: June 15, 2012
Published online: June 20, 2012
Abstract

Cancer prevention research has drawn much attention worldwide. It is believed that some types of cancer can be prevented by following a healthy life style. Cancer chemoprevention by either natural or synthetic agents is a promising route towards lowering cancer incidence. In recent years, the concept of cancer chemoprevention has evolved greatly. Experimental studies in animal models demonstrate that the reversal or suppression of premalignant lesions by chemopreventive agents is achievable. Natural occurring agents such as dietary phytochemicals, tea polyphenols and resveratrol show chemopreventive activity in animal models. Moreover, clinical trials for testing the safety and efficacy of a variety of natural agents in preventing or treating human malignancy have been ongoing. Here, we summarize experimental data on the chemopreventive or tumor suppressive effects of several natural compounds including curcumin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol, and vitamin D.

Keywords: Cancer; Chemoprevention; Natural agents; (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate; Resveratrol; Curcumin; Vitamin D; Indole-3-carbinol