Exploring molecular targets in cancer: Unveiling the anticancer potential of Paeoniflorin through a comprehensive analysis of diverse signaling pathways and recent advances

Tumors have posed significant threats to human health for over 250 years, emerging as the foremost cause of death. While chemotherapeutic drugs are effective in treating tumors, their side effects can sometimes be challenging to manage during therapy. Nonetheless, there is growing interest in exploring natural compounds as alternatives, which potentially achieve therapeutic outcomes comparable to conventional chemotherapeutics with fewer adverse effects. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside derived from the root of Paeonia lactiflora, has garnered significant attention lately due to its promising anti-cancer properties. This review offers an updated outline of the molecular mechanisms underlying PF’s anti-tumor function, with a focus on its modulation of various signaling pathways. PF exerts its anti-tumor activity by regulating crucial cellular processes including apoptosis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. We explored the multifaceted impact of PF while modulating through signaling pathways, encompassing nuclear factor kappa B, NOTCH, caspase cascade, transforming growth factor-β, NEDD4, P53/14-3-3, STAT 3, MAPK, MMP-9, and SKP2 signaling pathways, highlighting its versatility in targeting diverse malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions aimed at exploring innovative and targeted cancer therapies facilitated by PF.