Cucurbitacin Compounds Against Estrogen Receptor: Literature Review

Abstract

Over the past few decades, extensive research in the field of carcinogenesis has been the toughest challenge in finding newer drugs. One of the leading causes of death in women worldwide is breast cancer. Cucurbitacin is one such compound identified to suppress the oncogenic signalling pathways for survival. JAK/STAT pathways were identified for tumour growth as one of the key targets for cucurbitacin. Mainly, the compound cucurbitacin Q against estrogen receptors could be a target of concern among researchers around the globe. The structured review of cucurbitacin was documented by retrieving the data from various literature reports, review articles and research papers published on the PMC platform. In context with the fascinating role of cucurbitacin Q against estrogen receptors, it inhibits the tumour progression by blocking the STAT3 pathway. Cucurbitacin Q induces apoptosis in the tumour that activates the STAT3 gene when compared to other genes, which were found to be susceptible to breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, Cuc Q finds itself a new way of intervening with the JAK/STAT3 pathway by suppressing the progression of the tumour. Increased production of Cuc Q if proved to be active against oncogenes by blocking the STAT3 pathway. This article discusses the background, chemical structure and biological mechanism of cucurbitacin Q compound against estrogen receptors for breast cancer treatment.