# Signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of lupeol in colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review

## TL;DR

Lupeol, a natural compound, shows promise in treating colorectal cancer by targeting key inflammatory pathways and improving with new delivery methods.

## Contribution

This paper reviews lupeol's mechanisms in CRC and highlights novel nano-based delivery systems that enhance its bioavailability and efficacy.

## Key findings

- Lupeol modulates key signaling pathways like NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 to inhibit CRC progression.
- Nano-based delivery systems improve lupeol's solubility and bioavailability, enhancing its therapeutic potential.
- Lupeol induces apoptosis in CRC cells through mitochondrial pathways and suppresses tumor growth.

## Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious worldwide health concern associated with chronic inflammation and dysregulation of numerous signaling pathways, including IL-6/STAT3, NF-κB, COX-2/PGE2, and IL-23/Th17. These pathways aid in tumour development and progression by increasing the manufacture of inflammatory mediators, anti-apoptotic gene expression, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. Lupeol, a naturally occurring lupine-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, has sparked widespread interest due to its several pharmacological qualities, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial capabilities. Despite its enormous medicinal promise, low water solubility and bioavailability have hampered its clinical use. Recent advances in nano-based delivery systems and the invention of lupeol derivatives have increased its bioavailability and bioactivity, making it a promising candidate for CRC treatment. This study seeks to inspire additional research into lupeol's significance as a nutraceutical intervention in CRC by integrating current knowledge and investigating novel techniques to increase its clinical efficacy.

•Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.•Colorectal cancer progression is linked to dysregulated signalling pathways such as NF-κB, IL-6/STAT3, COX-2/PGE2, and IL-23/Th17, which lupeol effectively modulates.•Lupeol induces apoptosis in CRC cells by influencing mitochondrial pathways, suppressing tumour growth, and inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis.•Challenges such as low water solubility and bioavailability have hindered clinical applications, but advancements in nano-based delivery systems have improved its therapeutic potential.•Further research, including preclinical and clinical studies, is essential to validate lupeol's efficacy as a nutraceutical intervention for colorectal cancer treatment.

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.

Colorectal cancer progression is linked to dysregulated signalling pathways such as NF-κB, IL-6/STAT3, COX-2/PGE2, and IL-23/Th17, which lupeol effectively modulates.

Lupeol induces apoptosis in CRC cells by influencing mitochondrial pathways, suppressing tumour growth, and inhibiting cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Challenges such as low water solubility and bioavailability have hindered clinical applications, but advancements in nano-based delivery systems have improved its therapeutic potential.

Further research, including preclinical and clinical studies, is essential to validate lupeol's efficacy as a nutraceutical intervention for colorectal cancer treatment.