Dietary Phenolic Compounds as Anticancer Natural Drugs: Recent Update on Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Trials

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chemotherapeutic drug development faces limitations due to poor selectivity and side effects.
• Natural bioactive compounds, especially dietary phenolics, are increasingly recognized for cancer prevention and treatment.
• Phenolic compounds possess functional groups enabling diverse anti-cancer mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the anti-cancer mechanisms of phenolic compounds found in food medicinal plants.
• To review clinical trial evidence on the efficacy of these phenolic compounds.
• To highlight advancements in understanding their therapeutic potential.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on phenolic compounds' anti-cancer properties.
• Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies detailing molecular mechanisms.
• Examination of clinical trial data on phenolic compound efficacy.

Main Results:

• Phenolics induce apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest, and inhibit telomerase.
• In vivo studies demonstrate anti-angiogenic and anti-invasion effects.
• Clinical trials show efficacy of certain phenolics, alone or combined with chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Phenolic compounds from medicinal plants offer multifaceted anti-cancer strategies.
• Evidence supports their role in cancer therapy and prevention.
• Further research and clinical application of these natural compounds are warranted.