Cu(II)-coumestrol interaction leads to ROS-mediated DNA damage and cell death: A putative mechanism for anticancer activity

Phytoestrogens have attracted considerable interest as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy and their potential as cancer therapeutic agents. Among phytoestrogens, coumestrol has shown multi-pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, osteoblastic differentiation and anticancer. Though several studies have described anticancer effects of coumestrol, a clear underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells contain elevated copper levels which play an integral role in angiogenesis.
Source: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Source Type: research