Anticancer Potential of Xanthotoxol: Underlying Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Implications in Different Cancer Types

Imam Hossen Rakib; Md. Arif Hossain; Umme Habiba Sumaya; Md Nasimul Haque Shipon; Md. Nazmus Sakib; Sadia Mehnaj Saila; Mohammed Burhan Uddin; Md. Sakib Al Hasan

doi:10.71193/jcid.20250005

Authors

Imam Hossen Rakib Department of Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7560-4041
Md. Arif Hossain Department of Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1223-3877
Umme Habiba Sumaya Department of Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2291-766X
Md Nasimul Haque Shipon Department of Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7693-303X
Md. Nazmus Sakib Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1590-0154
Sadia Mehnaj Saila Department of Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1343-1975
Mohammed Burhan Uddin Department of Chemistry, York College of the City University, New York, 94-20 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451 USA Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4674-6448
Md. Sakib Al Hasan Phytochemistry and Biodiversity Research Laboratory, BioLuster Research Center Ltd., Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7560-4041

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71193/jcid.20250005

Keywords:

Anti-cancer, Furocoumarin, Proliferation, Toxicological profile, Xanthotoxol

Abstract

Cancer is a severe disease caused by genetic variations leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis. Xanthotoxol (XTL), a bioactive furocoumarin from Fructus Cnidii and Cnidium monnieri, exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects. However, its anticancer potential has not yet been specifically reviewed. This study explores its effects on various cancer cell lines through a literature review using PubMed, and Google Scholar. Findings reveal that XTL has significant anticancer activity against lung, skin, blood, and thyroid cancers. It induces apoptosis by activating pro-apoptotic factors like caspase 3, 7, 8, 9, and Bax while inhibiting proliferation, colony formation, DNA replication, migration, and invasion. Our study also showed that it exhibited good pharmacokinetic properties and reduced toxicity. However, most studies are limited to in vitro experiments, lacking in vivo and clinical evaluations. Further research is needed to validate its safety, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment.

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