Antitumor activity of a Piper nigrum extract and piperine

involvement of the p53 protein.

Abstract

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. In Brazil, estimates predict around 483,000 new cases in 2024, according to INCA (The National Cancer Institute José Alencar Gomes da Silva). The p53 protein is an essential factor in tumor suppression as it can block the cell cycle, repair cell DNA, and induce cells to undergo apoptosis. However, mutations in the TP53 gene can compromise p53 functioning as the “guardian of the genome.” A potential cancer prevention and treatment strategy involves using food-bioactive compounds. Piper nigrum, or black pepper, and its main active constituent, piperine, have been the subject of several studies investigating their anticancer potential. These compounds have shown antiproliferative effects, pro-oxidant activity, cell cycle regulation, and induction of apoptosis. This review will examine studies on the relationship between the action of these substances and the p53 protein. P. nigrum extracts and piperine have shown cytotoxic effects on cells that express no p53 and those with wild-type or mutant p53. This suggests these substances may effectively treat cancer, regardless of p53 status. However, further research is necessary to fully understand these substances’ mechanisms and therapeutic potential in fighting cancer.