Britanin Unveiled: A Comprehensive Exploration of its Therapeutic Potential
Plant-based natural chemicals remain a viable resource for identifying original active ingredients. Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs) are available, low-toxicity compounds with a broad spectrum of therapeutic applications. Inula contains a high concentration of flavonoids and SLs, which hold significant therapeutic promise. For centuries, the Asteraceae family, particularly Artemisia britannica L., has been used to treat gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders. Among them, the pseudo- guaianolide-type SL Britannin (BRT) has shown promise as an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory compound. By inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and cell death, BRT can cause cell cycle arrest and exhibit cytotoxic effects across various cancer types, including leukemic, hepatic, pancreatic, gastric, colon, and breast cell lines. Mechanistically, BRT prevents tumors from growing, forming new blood vessels, spreading, and evading the immune system by disrupting the following pathways: PD-L1, AMPK-mTOR, c-Myc/HIF-1α, Keap1-Nrf2, and NF-κB signaling. Its therapeutic profile is also enhanced by its immunosuppressive and antioxidant activities. This article concludes that the combined therapy of BRT with chemotherapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a strong candidate for development as a novel anticancer therapy.