Anticancer and anti-HIV activity of Nerium oleander the Kaner plant: A comprehensive review

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review on the anticancer and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
activities of Nerium oleander (L.) from the Apocynaceae family. It highlights the presence of phytochemicals,
namely, cardiac glycosides oleandrin and cardenolides, which have shown broad-spectrum cytotoxic effects
against drug-resistant breast cancer and pancreatic cells. These compounds also exhibit potent antioxidant,
antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as inhibit the growth of human pancreatic cancer by
targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway. Oleandrin has been found to induce apoptosis and prevent cell proliferation,
as well as inhibit tumor growth. It has also demonstrated effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, potentially
reducing the spread of these viruses. The unique biological activity of Oleandrin is acknowledged, although its
overall therapeutic benefits are still not fully understood. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the toxicity
profile of the plant’s phytochemical components for drug development purposes.