Research progress on natural products against hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a prevalent and challenging malignancy globally, characterized by its numerous causal factors and generally unfavorable prognosis. In the relentless pursuit of effective treatment modalities, natural products have emerged as a promising and relatively non-toxic alternative, garnering significant interest. The integration of natural products with contemporary medical research has yielded encouraging therapeutic outcomes in the management of HCC. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the causal factors underlying HCC, and the diverse treatment options available, and highlights the advancements made by natural products in anti-HCC research. Particularly, we provide an outline of the various types of natural products, their corresponding nomenclature, target molecules, and mechanisms of action that exhibit anti-HCC activities. Natural products are anticipated to play a pivotal role in future comprehensive treatment plans for liver cancer, potentially offering patients improved survival rates and an enhanced quality of life.