Dithymoquinone (DTQ), Thymohydroquinone (THQ), and Thymoquinone (TQ): Novel Natural Anti-Cancer Compounds

Introduction and Aims:: DTQ, THQ, and TQ as benzoquinones derived compounds from medicinal plants have showed anticancer properties. Cancer is a life threatening disease which tremendously affects the human health. There is an ongoing desire for new therapies to treat and prevent this life-threatening disease. Herein, we review studies of naturally occurring compound as novel therapeutics targeted for treatment of cancers. Materials and Methods: Literature searched in Medline databases according to key words for the period January ۲۰۰۹–Dec ۲۰۱۹. Results: Based on the evidences from previous studies we found that one of the most novels naturally occurring compounds are Quinines derived from medicinal plants. Studies demonstrated that DTQ, THQ, and TQ triggered apoptosis in the cancer cells, and that a number of important genes, including p۵۳, Bax, bcl-۲ and p۲۱, were affected. In some studies demonstrated that expression of p۵۳, a tumor suppressor gene, and Bax, a gene that promotes programmed cell death, was increased, while bcl-۲, which blocks cell death, was decreased. DTQ, THQ, and TQ caused "epigenetic" changes in some cancer cells, modifying the cells' DNA via acetylation process. Conclusion: as a conclusion it demonstrated that DTQ, THQ, and TQ triggered apoptosis in the cancer cells, although detailed mechanism requires further investigation. Also, Results provides that DTQ, THQ, and TQ are novel natural compound with highly anti-cancer potential. However, further research should be performed.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thymohydroquinone ، Thymoquinone ، anti-Cancer. Dithymoquinone