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Plant-derived compounds, including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and others, have been widely investigated for their role in cancer treatment. Here, we highlight the significance of some natural compounds (β-caryophyllene oxide) in enhancing doxorubicin's chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity. We also determined a novel mechanism of cytotoxicity for β-caryophyllene oxide by revealing its ability to bind with the DNA. This potentially causes its cytotoxicity when added alone and its ability to enhance doxorubicin's cytotoxicity. We also show that some natural compounds (epicatechin) may provide protection to cancer cells against doxorubicin's toxicity. This is most likely caused by their antioxidant behavior which potentially suppressed the doxorubicin-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in a decrease in its cytotoxicity. Moreover, similar suppression in the cytotoxicity of β-caryophyllene oxide was noticed when incubated with the other flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer is a global threat to the healthcare system and is estimated to incline tremendously in the next 20 years, if not diagnosed at an early stage. Even though it is curable at an early stage, novel drug identification, clinical success, and drug resistance is another major challenge. To bridge the gap and bring effective treatment, it is important to understand the etiology of skin carcinoma, the mechanism of cell proliferation, factors affecting cell growth, and the mechanism of drug resistance. The current article focusses on understanding the structural diversity of skin cancers, treatments available till date including phytocompounds, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, surgery, combination therapy, molecular targets associated with cancer growth and metastasis, and special emphasis on nanotechnology-based approaches for downregulating the deleterious disease. A detailed analysis with respect to types of nanoparticles and their scope in overcoming multidrug resistance as well as associated clinical trials has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]