A New Perspective on the Molecular Targets, Mechanisms of Action, and Clinical Significance of Ursolic Acid’s Multifaceted Anti-Cancer Effects

Abstract: A pentacyclic triterpenoid produced from medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables, Ursolic acid [UA] has pharmacological activity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions of UA with molecular targets, its various mechanisms of action, and its clinical implications in cancer therapy. Numerous studies have been conducted on the pharmacological effects of UA, and its biological benefits, such as its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities, have been demonstrated. The study showed how signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, work together to control cell death, proliferation, and inflammation. UA effectively treats cancer by interacting with molecular targets in cell signaling pathways, making it a potent treatment option. UA inhibits tumor cell transformation, limits their reproduction ability, and triggers apoptosis. UA has been found to inhibit various pro-inflammatory transcription factors and cell cycle proteins, such as kinases, cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory enzymes. The targets may aid in UA's chemopreventive and therapeutic benefits by preventing cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis. UA inhibits cancer cell proliferation by arresting and triggering apoptosis through the cell cycle. UA is a promising anti-cancer agent with various mechanisms of action. UA can target multiple signaling pathways and influence the tumor microenvironment, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Further clinical investigations are needed to entirely understand the therapeutic potential of UA and optimize its application in cancer. This review explores the molecular targets of UA and provides insights into its potential anticancer activities.