Anticancer role of natural compounds targeting phospholipase A2

Some human inflammatory diseases and cancers are included among diseases where different isoforms of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes are involved. Thus, developing potent and selective PLA2 inhibitors can be considered a promising therapeutic approach for their treatment. Several studies have demonstrated the effects of natural products to treat different types of cancers. The use of herbal compounds, especially polyphenols, could be helpful in the treatment of various cancers through molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, snake and bee venoms as well as marine natural products showed antitumor effects, which are attributed to the modulation of PLA2 activity. This review focuses on the potential anticancer role of natural compounds targeting PLA2 and their related mechanisms.