Chemoprevention and therapy of cancer by d-limonene.
The naturally occurring monoterpene d-limonene has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity against many rodent solid tumor types. The chemopreventive activity of limonene during initiation can be attributed to the induction of phase I and phase II enzymes, with resulting carcinogen detoxification. The chemopreventive activity of limonene during promotion/progression may be due in part to inhibition of the posttranslational isoprenylation of growth-controlling small G proteins, such as p21ras. The complete regression of mammary carcinomas by limonene appears to involve tissue redifferentiation. The multiple antitumorigenic effects of limonene are attainable at a high therapeutic ratio, suggesting that limonene and related monoterpenes may be efficacious in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy of human malignancies.
Crowell
P L
PL
Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53792.
Gould
M N
MN
D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000378:metabolism; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011905:Genes, ras; D006801:Humans; D000077222:Limonene; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017368:Protein Prenylation; D051381:Rats; D013729:Terpenes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002273:Carcinogens; D053138:Cyclohexenes; D013729:Terpenes; D000077222:Limonene; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins