Psoralidin: emerging biological activities of therapeutic benefits and its potential utility in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CaCx) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in women contributing to 341,831 annual deaths globally in 2020. Owing to its high mortality rate, the identification of novel inhibitors preventing CaCx progression is of utmost importance. Recent studies have emphasized the use of phytochemicals for cancer prevention due to their low toxicity. Psoralidin, a bioactive compound extracted from the seeds of the medicinal plant Psoralea corylifolia, showcases the potential for promoting health benefits. A range of studies showing anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, estrogenic, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor activities substantiate its promising biological effects. The anti-tumor potential of psoralidin has been well-documented. Its capacity to effectively target cancer stem cells (CSCs) in general adds to its therapeutic potential. Psoralidin carries out its anti-cancer activity by inducing oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. This unique characteristic suggests its potential to be used as an adjunct molecule in combination with existing treatment to enhance the efficacy of chemo/radiotherapy for treating CaCx. However, low bioavailability and intestinal efflux limit the use of psoralidin in clinical applications. Therefore, further investigation is needed in area of drug delivery and mechanism of action to fully harness the beneficial effects of psoralidin. The present study examines the current understanding of the molecular properties of this coumestan, as well as its various molecular targets with a particular emphasis on its anti-cancer activity. The study will help in designing effective and novel therapeutic interventions for targeting signaling pathways and other regulators involved in mediating CaCx progression, which will eventually help in effective management of CaCx.