To explore the mechanisms of programmed cell death (PCD) induced by traditional plant medicine (TPM) in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa).
Approach:
Search Strategy: Articles containing specific keywords related to prostate cancer and traditional medicine were selected from databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.
Inclusion Criteria: Focused on anti-cancer mechanisms of TPM in PCa, involved at least one form of PCD, and published in peer-reviewed journals within the last five years.
Exclusion Criteria: Excluded reviews, meta-analyses, letters, conference abstracts, case reports, and studies irrelevant to PCa or TPM-mediated PCD.
Key Findings:
Forty-two drugs in TPM exhibit significant anticancer activity against PCa by regulating multiple forms of PCD.
Key molecular targets mediating the anticancer activities of TPMs include PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK/mTOR, and others.
Autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis are highlighted as research hotspots, while pyroptosis and necroptosis are less explored.
Interpretation:
The review highlights the need to elucidate the role of PCD modulators in therapeutic strategies of TPM for PCa treatment.
Limitations:
The effects of TPM on autophagy and pyroptosis require further evidence.
Interrelationships between different modes of cell death in TPM treatment of PCa are rarely investigated.
Conclusion:
Focusing on PCD mechanisms may enhance therapeutic efficacy and address treatment resistance in PCa.
