DefinePK

Abstract

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from existing one, is essential in normal growth processes. Uncontrolled angiogenesis is a main contributor to a number of disease states such as asthma, AIDS, bacterial infections, autoimmune disease, cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, multiple sclerosis and endometriosis, Angiogenesis also considered a key step in tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. Angiogenesis is required for suitable nourishment and removal of metabolic wastes from tumour sites. Therefore, modulation of angiogenesis is considered as therapeutic strategies of great importance for human health. Numerous bioactive plant extracts are recently tested for their anti-angiogenic potential. Among the most frequently studied are plants rich with polyphenols and terpens present in fruits, vegetables and other plants which have high antioxidant compounds. Plant polyphenols inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis through regulation of multiple signaling pathways. Specifically, flavonoids regulate expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and inhibit nuclear factor _B (NF_B), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K/Akt) and Extra Cellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways, thereby causing strong anti-angiogenic effects. This review focuses on the antiangiogenic plants.