Potential of dietary phytochemicals in cancer prevention and treatment

Cancer remains a significant global health problem and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, although necessary, often come with limitations, including severe side effects, risk of relapse and development of resistance.

Therefore, there is growing interest in alternative and complementary approaches to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment. One promising avenue is the use of dietary phytochemicals, which are bioactive compounds found in plants known for their potential anticancer properties.

Dietary phytochemicals have received considerable attention due to their ability to prevent carcinogenesis and promote anticancer activity by modulating various molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of cancer. These compounds include a variety of substances such as vitamins, polyphenols and other bioactive molecules, each of which contributes to cancer prevention through unique mechanisms.

Vitamin D: Found in mushrooms and synthesized in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet light. Vitamin D has been linked to the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer. It acts by modulating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) pathway, affecting gene expression and cell proliferation.

Vitamin E: Present in vegetable oils. Vitamin E, especially in the forms of tocopherol and tocotrienol, has antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Tocotrienols, in particular, have shown excellent anticancer properties by inhibiting key signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival.

Lycopene: Abundant in tomatoes, has strong antioxidant properties and is associated with a reduced risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer. It exerts its effects by eliminating free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Fisetin: Found in strawberries and apples, it has potential to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Genistein: Derived from soybeans, it is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by modulating various signaling pathways.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): The main catechin in green tea, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits cancer cell growth and tumor formation by affecting multiple signaling pathways, including those involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Crocin: Found in saffron, it exhibits anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis. It also interferes with angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth.

Curcumin: A compound found in turmeric has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by modulating various molecular targets, including transcription factors, cytokines and enzymes.

Cyanidin: Present in red berries, whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its potential anti-cancer effects. It modulates signaling pathways that control cell growth and apoptosis.

Gingerol: A bioactive compound in ginger, it has significant anticancer properties by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which contribute to its anti-cancer effects.

These phytochemicals target interconnected molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. Some key paths include:

• Apoptosis pathway: Inducing programmed cell death to eliminate cancer cells.
• Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway: Inhibiting COX-2 to reduce inflammation and tumor growth.
• ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling pathway: Regulation of gene expression through chromatin remodeling.
• Epigenetic DNA methylation pathway: Modulation of gene expression through changes in DNA methylation.
• Hedhog signaling pathway: Disruption of cellular communication involved in cancer growth.
• STAT-3 pathway: Inhibiting STAT-3 to prevent cancer cell proliferation and survival.
• Tumor angiogenesis inhibition pathway: Inhibits the formation of new blood vessels to deprive tumors of nutrition.
• Wnt pathway: Regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.

This comprehensive review highlights the potential of dietary phytochemicals in cancer prevention and therapy. These bioactive compounds offer promising complementary strategies to conventional cancer treatments by targeting multiple molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and develop effective phytochemical therapies for cancer prevention and treatment.

The study results were published in the Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology.