Potential Anticancer Activity of the Genus Pistacia through Apoptosis Induction in Cancer Cells

Cancer is one of the most significant global challenges threatening health. Accordingly, cancer management is one of the most important issues in the world. Evading apoptosis is a route through which a cancerous cell becomes malignant. Thus, designing novel apoptotic drugs against cancer is of high importance because deficiencies in the regulation of apoptotic pathways lead to cancer chemotherapy resistance. Apoptosis can be induced by inhibiting anti-apoptotic factors or stimulating pro-apoptotic molecules. On the other hand, chemotherapy complications have caused medical plants to be considered as potential alternatives for the treatment of tumors. Pistachios have been proved to have a wide range of pharmacological benefits, including anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anticancer properties. Evidence shows that anticancer effects of pistachios result from their influence on numerous apoptosis-related pathways in tumor cells. In this paper, we aim to introduce anticancer properties of pistachios, particularly those connected with targeting apoptosis-related pathways.