Plants That Can Help Prevent and Treat Oral Cancer: A Review of Research Studies

Greg Howard
29th August, 2024

Plants That Can Help Prevent and Treat Oral Cancer: A Review of Research Studies

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine shows that dietary plants can help prevent and treat oral cancer
  • These plants can stop cancer cells from growing, make them die, and prevent them from spreading
  • Consuming plants like garlic, green tea, and turmeric may lower the risk of developing oral cancer
Oral cancer is a significant health concern with high mortality rates and increasing incidence globally. A recent study conducted by the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has provided a comprehensive evaluation of the preventative and therapeutic effects of dietary plants on oral cancer[1]. This research is crucial as it compiles extensive data on how various plant products can influence the progression of this disease. The study highlights that numerous dietary plants have demonstrated anticancer effects. These effects include inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing cell viability, promoting cell cycle arrest, and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Additionally, these plants can suppress autophagy (the process by which cells degrade and recycle components), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), invasion, and metastasis (spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body). The plant extracts and products work by targeting several cellular mechanisms, such as reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (a process where epithelial cells become more migratory and invasive) and promoting oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction. The study also delves into how these dietary plants regulate various signaling pathways. For instance, they influence cellular growth signaling pathways through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). They modulate inflammation by affecting cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, and nuclear factor-κB p65. Additionally, they impact metastasis by acting on cadherins (proteins that help cells stick together) and matrix metalloproteinases (enzymes that break down proteins in the extracellular matrix). In vivo studies, which involve testing in living organisms, support these findings. They show a decrease in tumor burden, incidence, and hyperplastic (abnormal increase in cells) and dysplastic (abnormal cell growth) changes. Clinical studies also indicate a reduced risk of oral cancer with the consumption of certain dietary plants. However, the researchers emphasize the need for high-quality studies to establish the clinical efficacy of these plants fully. The study identifies several dietary plants with potential benefits for oral cancer prevention and intervention. These include garlic, green tea, longan, peppermint, purple carrot, saffron, tomato, and turmeric. The anticancer properties of these plants are attributed to their ability to modulate various biological pathways and cellular mechanisms. Previous studies have also explored the potential of plant-based compounds in cancer treatment. For instance, the use of plant bioactive compounds in managing oral mucocutaneous cancers (OMCs) has been suggested as a cost-effective approach, particularly in resource-limited regions like sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent[2]. These compounds can minimize the side effects and morbidities associated with conventional therapies and offer a promising alternative for routine management of OMCs. Additionally, phytochemicals have shown potential as adjuvants to chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNC), which includes oral cancer[3]. While there is no specific treatment for HPV-positive HNC, some phytochemicals have demonstrated promising results in preventing and treating HNC in general. This suggests that dietary plants could also be effective against HPV-driven oral cancers, as some signaling pathways are common. Moreover, the role of epigenetic modifications in oral cancer has been well-documented. Alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial in oral carcinogenesis[4]. MiRNAs, in particular, have been identified as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The use of dietary plants that can influence these epigenetic mechanisms could further enhance their effectiveness in oral cancer prevention and treatment. In conclusion, the study by the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine provides a comprehensive analysis of the anticancer effects of dietary plants on oral cancer. It consolidates existing knowledge and highlights the potential of these plants in preventing and treating this disease. While the findings are promising, further high-quality research is necessary to establish the clinical efficacy of these dietary plants fully.

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References

Main Study

1) Dietary plants for oral cancer prevention and therapy: A review of preclinical and clinical studies.

Published 28th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8293

Related Studies

2) Bioactive compounds and their libraries: An insight into prospective phytotherapeutics approach for oral mucocutaneous cancers.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111809

3) Phytochemicals as Potential Chemopreventive and Chemotherapeutic Agents for Emerging Human Papillomavirus-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Prospects.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.699044

4) The World of Oral Cancer and Its Risk Factors Viewed from the Aspect of MicroRNA Expression Patterns.

https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13040594


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