Natural Bioactive Compounds and Phytochemicals in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms of Action and Delivery Strategies

Natural products have historically served as a vital source of chemotherapeutic agents, laying the foundation for many standard-of-care drugs. However, the translation of emerging phytochemicals into clinical oncology is often hindered by poor bioavailability, low aqueous solubility, and non-specific toxicity. The goal of this Research Topic is to advance the pharmacological development of purified natural bioactive compounds by elucidating their precise molecular mechanisms and optimizing their delivery. We aim to bridge the gap between natural product discovery and clinical application by focusing on structural characterization, novel drug delivery systems, and combination strategies.Despite the therapeutic potential of many natural compounds, their clinical utility remains limited without pharmacological optimization. Current research is rapidly evolving to address these challenges through two primary avenues: (1) Mechanistic Elucidation, identifying specific molecular targets within signaling pathways (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis) to ensure selectivity; and (2) Advanced Delivery Strategies, utilizing nanotechnology and lipid-based carriers to enhance stability and tumor accumulation.Furthermore, the concept of synergistic therapy involves using bioactive compounds to sensitize cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy, potentially overcoming Multidrug Resistance (MDR). This collection seeks to consolidate cutting-edge research that treats natural compounds not merely as extracts, but as lead structures for sophisticated drug design and development.We welcome articles focusing on the pharmacological evaluation and optimization of pure natural compounds.Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Targeted Delivery Systems: Development of nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, or exosomes to improve the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of bioactive compounds. Molecular Mechanisms of Action: Detailed signaling pathway analysis (e.g., PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, p53) and identification of specific cellular targets. Reversal of Multidrug Resistance: Mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate efflux pumps (e.g., P-gp) or alter the tumor microenvironment to sensitize resistant cells. Synergy and Combination Therapy: Pharmacological interactions between natural compounds and approved chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): Studies guiding the modification of natural scaffolds to enhance potency and selectivity.To ensure alignment with the scope of the Pharmacology of Anti-Cancer Drugs section, all submissions must utilize purified, chemically characterized compounds. Research involving crude extracts, undefined herbal mixtures, or traditional preparations without chemical standardization will not be accepted. Topic editors: Raj Kumar Koiri, Johnson O Oladele, Sudip Kumar Mandal, Darshan Telange, Keshab Raj Paudel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79348/natural-bioactive-compounds-and-phytochemicals-in-cancer-therapy-mechanisms-of-action-and-delivery-strategies