A comprehensive mechanistic insight into the dietary and estrogenic lignans, arctigenin and sesamin as potential anticarcinogenic and anticancer agents. Current status, challenges, and future perspectives.

A large body of evidence indicates that lignans as polyphenolic compounds are beneficial against life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Plant lignans have the potential to induce cancer cell death and interfere with carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Epidemiological studies have revealed that the intake of lignans is inversely associated with the risk of several cancers. Moreover, numerous experimental studies demonstrate that natural lignans significantly suppress cancer cell proliferation with minimal toxicity against non-transformed cells. Dietary lignans arctigenin and sesamin have been found to have potent antiproliferative activities against various types of human cancer. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying anticancer effects of arctigenin and sesamin. Our review comprehensively describes the effects of arctigenin and sesamin on the signaling pathways and related molecules involved in cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The findings of present review show that the dietary lignans arctigenin and sesamin seem to be promising carcinopreventive and anticancer agents. These natural lignans can be used as dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals for prevention and treatment of cancer.