Document Type : Review article
Authors
1
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.
2
Institute of Medicinal Plants Research, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.
3
Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Cardiovascular Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Abstract
Background: Vinca herbacea, a lesser-known member of the Apocynaceae family, has shown notable pharmacological effects, particularly in oncology. Its bioactive constituents—mainly vincristine, vinblastine, flavonoids, and phenolic acids—have demonstrated significant anticancer activity. These compounds primarily induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and modulate key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression. Additionally, V. herbacea affects angiogenesis and metastasis, making it a promising candidate for integrative cancer therapy. Despite its potential, the plant remains underexplored in clinical settings.
Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Keywords included "Vinca herbacea", "anticancer", "apoptosis", and "metastasis". Peer-reviewed articles reporting molecular mechanisms in vitro, in vivo, or in silico were selected. Data were extracted and synthesized to highlight bioactive compounds, pathways involved, and pharmacological effects.
Results: The collected data showed that V. herbacea exerts anticancer effects through mitochondrial apoptosis induction (via caspase activation, Bax/Bcl-2 modulation), microtubule disruption, and inhibition of mitosis. It downregulates VEGF and EMT-related genes, reducing angiogenesis and metastasis. It also modulates signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB, enhancing its pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties. Molecular docking analyses confirmed high binding affinities between plant-derived alkaloids and oncogenic targets.
Conclusion: V. herbacea exhibits strong antitumor potential through multi-targeted molecular mechanisms. Its ability to inhibit proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, combined with apoptotic induction, makes it a promising natural agent in cancer treatment. However, further preclinical research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety before clinical application.
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