Brucea javanica: A review on anticancer of its pharmacological properties and clinical researches

Background: The dried fruits of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr (BJ) is being widely investigated, both in lab and in clinic, to explore its potential anticancer activity and molecular mechanism involved. Purpose: We appraised the available literature and suggested the future research directions to improve the medicinal value of BJ. Method: In this review, we have summarized the scientific findings from experimental and clinical studies regarding the anticancer activity and mechanisms. Results: Numerous studies have reported that BJ exerts anticancer effect on various types of cancer lines through inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting migration/invasion, inducing autophagy and restraining angiogenesis. Brucea javanica triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), release of cytochrome C, activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and regulation of a series of signal pathways and proteins related to cancer. The molecular mechanism involved are inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-kappa B and Nrf2-Notch1 pathways; up or down modulating the levels of p53, p62, p21, Bax, and Bcl-2 respectively, and inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Brucea javanica's efficacy in treating cancer patients either as a main or supportive treatment is also discussed in this review. Conclusion: This review will serve as a comprehensive resource of BJ's potential as anticancer agent and its molecular pathways. The analysis of the literature suggests that BJ can serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of cancer.