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Short non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) control gene expression by either inhibiting translation or degrading messenger RNA. MiRNAs are crucial for many biological functions, and the deregulation of their expression is strongly linked to the emergence of cancer. A single miRNA controls several gene expressions, allowing it to simultaneously control a number of cellular signaling pathways. As a result, miRNAs may be used as therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers for the prognosis and diagnosis of different cancers. Recent research has shown that natural compounds like curcumin, resveratrol and quercetin exert their pro-apoptotic and/or anti-proliferative impacts by modulating one and/or more miRNAs, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells, induces apoptosis, or increases the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies. Here, we summarize the most recent developments in curcumin's control over the expression of miRNAs and emphasize the significance of these herbal remedies as a viable strategy in the treatment and prevention of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynaecological disorders, such as cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are the second most prevalent cancer types in women worldwide. Therapeutic approaches for gynaecological cancers involve chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, lifespan is not improved, and novel medications are required. Among various phytochemicals, berberine, a well-known natural product, has been shown to be a promising cancer chemopreventive agent. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of berberine have been investigated in the several experiments against numerous diseases. Here, we aimed to provide a literature review from available published investigations showing the anticancer effects of berberine and its various synthetic analogues against gynaecological disorders, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. In conclusion, berberine has been found to efficiently inhibit viability, proliferation, and migration of cancer cells, mainly, via induction of apoptosis by both mitochondrial dependent and -independent pathways. Additionally, structural modification of berberine showed that berberine analogues can improve its antitumor effects against gynaecological cancers. Main mechanism underlying inhibitory effect of berberine on ovarian cancer cells. The activated Caspase 3 can activate calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) and whereby promote activation of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme which mediates conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) into prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PGE2 promote tumor growth and proliferation through enhancing the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Berberine was found to inhibit activation of iPLA2, PEG2, and FAK, thereby could suppress growth and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Image 1 • Berberine can affect cervical cancer growth through inhibition of HPV oncoproteins. • Berberine can inhibit growth of cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer cells through inducing apoptosis. • Berberine decreases tumor-promoted angiogenesis via down-regulating VEGF expression in cervical cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]