Natural Products as a Carcinogens

Abstract

Natural products, while a valuable source for therapeutic agents, are also a significant and often overlooked class of carcinogens. This review synthesizes current knowledge on several well-studied naturally occurring carcinogenic compounds, their mechanisms of action, and their public health implications. The review is structured to include a detailed literature review, a discussion of the methodologies used for their study, and an analysis of their results. Mycotoxins, such as Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA), produced by fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium, are highlighted as potent food contaminants that pose a global health threat, particularly through the induction of liver and kidney cancers. Plant-derived carcinogens, including Aristolochic Acids (AAs) from the Aristolochia genus and Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs), are discussed for their role in causing kidney failure and liver damage, respectively, often via the use of unregulated herbal remedies. The carcinogenic mechanisms of these compounds are diverse, ranging from genotoxicity (direct DNA damage via adduct formation) to non-genotoxic pathways (e.g., chronic inflammation, hormonal disruption, or inhibition of key cellular processes). The investigation of these compounds relies on a combination of epidemiological studies, animal bioassays, and mechanistic molecular analyses, including DNA adduct and proteomics. The diffuse and chronic nature of exposure to these natural carcinogens presents unique challenges for public health interventions. This article emphasizes the critical need for continued research, improved food surveillance, and stricter regulation of traditional medicines to mitigate the significant risks associated with these ubiquitous natural products.