Mechanistic insights into the anticancer potential of Potentilla spp., with a focus on Potentilla fulgens as a natural chemopreventive agent

Potentilla species, a polyphenol-enriched herb in high-elevation regions, have long been utilized in traditional medicine for their diverse therapeutic properties. Several studies have highlighted their potential anticarcinogenic effects, primarily in cell lines and, to a lesser extent, in in vivo murine studies. However, translating these findings into human clinical trials remains a major challenge. A literature review was conducted to explore the anticarcinogenic properties of Potentilla using various electronic databases. Northeast India’s high cancer incidence is associated with lifestyle factors and dietary habits, including tobacco and raw areca nut (RAN) consumption. RAN consumption has been epidemiologically and mechanistically linked to cancers of the upper digestive tract. Emerging evidence implicates specific cellular abnormalities, such as precocious anaphase and the upregulation of the oncogene securin, as early biomarkers of RAN-induced carcinogenesis. P. fulgens root extract has been shown to reduce RAN-induced cancer anomalies in mice and lower human cancer incidence. This highlights the need for further investigation into plant-based compounds as potential anticancer agents due to their diverse mechanisms and minimal side effects. Multiple signaling pathways are implicated in carcinogenesis, many of which are modulated by phytochemicals found in Potentilla spp. However, to fully understand their potential in cancer therapy, comprehensive in vivo studies and clinical trials are essential to assess their efficacy and safety in humans. Integrating herbal medicine with conventional treatments could revolutionize cancer therapy, but ensuring safety and efficacy through rigorous testing is crucial.