Effects of anthocyanins on the prevention and treatment of cancer

Area of Science:

• Pharmacological Research
• Nutraceuticals
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Anthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoids with diverse pharmacological effects.
• They exhibit potential in preventing cardiovascular disease and controlling obesity.
• Emerging evidence highlights their significant antitumour activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in understanding the anticancer activities of anthocyanins.
• To summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying their antitumour effects.
• To consolidate findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of basic research (in vitro and in vivo).
• Analysis of data from clinical trials.
• Synthesis of theoretical and practical evidence on anthocyanin anticancer effects.

Main Results:

• Anthocyanins possess multiple antitumour mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties.
• They inhibit cancer cell proliferation by modulating signaling pathways, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis or autophagy.
• Anthocyanins demonstrate anti-invasion, anti-metastasis, and the ability to reverse drug resistance in cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Anthocyanins exhibit broad-spectrum anticancer activities through diverse molecular mechanisms.
• Their potential as therapeutic agents or adjuncts in cancer treatment warrants further investigation.
• This review provides a consolidated overview for researchers and clinicians in the field.