From Traditional Medicine to Modern Oncology: Scutellarin, a Promising Natural Compound in Cancer Treatment

Natural substances are increasingly being used as cancer treatments. Scutellarin, as a flavonoid, recently has been identified in a Chinese herbal extract called Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.). Scutellarin is being researched for its potential benefits due to the discovery that it possesses a variety of biological effects, such as neuroprotective, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. In addition to these biological functions, scutellarin has also been found to have anti-tumor properties. The underlying mechanisms of scutellarin's anticancer activity involve its ability to inhibit various signaling pathways, such as Jak/STAT, ERK/AMPK, and Wnt/β-catenin. Additionally, scutellarin activates intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, which causes the death of tumor cells, interrupts the cell cycle, and promotes its arrest. By limiting metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and other tumorigenic processes, scutellarin also reduces the aggressiveness of tumors. Despite its promising anticancer activity, scutellarin faces several challenges in its clinical development, including poor solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, it has been suggested that certain modifications can enhance the pharmacogenetic capabilities of scutellarin to decrease its limited water solubility. In conclusion, scutellarin represents a potential candidate for cancer treatment and further studies are needed to explore its clinical utility and optimize its therapeutic potential.