Chrysophanol: A promising natural compound in cancer therapy – Mechanistic insights and future perspectives

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Chrysophanol, a naturally occurring anthraquinone compound, has demonstrated significant potential in cancer treatment due to its diverse biological activities. This review delves into the mechanisms through which chrysophanol exerts its anti-cancer effects, including the induction of cell cycle arrest, promotion of apoptosis, regulation of autophagy, and initiation of necrosis across various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the review discusses chrysophanol's impact on inhibiting cancer cell invasion and metastasis and its role in modulating chemotherapy sensitivity. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of chrysophanol, challenges such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and safety concerns remain. Comprehensive clinical trials are essential to validate its efficacy and safety. This review emphasizes chrysophanol as a promising candidate for cancer therapy and underscores the necessity for further research to fully harness its therapeutic potential.