Natural products as promising targets in glioblastoma multiforme: a focus on NF-κB signaling pathway.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), as the broadest cerebrum tumor, is resistant to current medical interventions, particularly chemo/radiation. Hence, it necessitates further therapeutic options that could enhance the efficacy of existing modalities.

Methods: A comprehensive and systematic review of literature on the NF-κB signaling pathway-contributed in the pathogenesis of GBM with a focus on natural products was carried out.

Results: Several examinations have shown that nuclear factor (NF)-κB is participated in apoptosis, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, invasion, and many other processes implicated in GBM pathobiology. Recent studies have provided that NF-κB regulation is the primary pharmacological target for GBM therapy. Specific natural products are involved in several signaling pathways implicated in tumor growth and apoptosis of GBM cells.

Conclusion: In the current review, we elaborate on the role of NF-κB as a promising target in GBM and discuss some natural products affecting the NF-κB signaling pathway.