Antiproliferative effects and main molecular mechanisms of Brazilian native fruits and their by-products on lung cancer

Lung Cancer (LC) is an emergent disease widespread globally. Compared to other types of cancer, LC has one of the lowest survival rates (18%). As some risk factors associated with the development of lung carcinogenesis are still unavoidable, researchers have been trying to find efficient and safe alternatives that can help prevent LC or even attenuate its rapid evolution after diagnosis. Studies with natural products promise to offer biological effects against several types of cancers, including LC. The uncountable types of plant matrices dispersed in nature, or even their extracts, contain a powerful composition of bioactive compounds with promising biological effects on LC. The biomes in Brazil are examples of regions with a great biodiversity of bioactive compounds-rich fruits. Therefore, this review aimed to present the potential anticancer effect of Brazilian native fruits, their fractions, and by-products on LC through the elucidation of the main molecular mechanisms involved. The Brazilian plant matrices discussed here (açaí, achiote, araticum, camu camu, cocoa, jaboticaba, genipap, guarana, and pequi) showed promising evidence by inducing cellular apoptosis, reducing cancer cell viability and tumor growth, and regulating cell cycle.