Phytochemicals in Oxidative Stress and Cancer Prevention: Emphasis on Seed-Derived Bioactives, Mechanistic Insights, and Nanotechnological Advances

Phytochemicals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds found in plant seeds. These bioactive substances have attracted considerable attention for their proven potential to modulate oxidative stress and prevent cancer. Seeds are abundant in phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, chlorophylls, organosulfur compounds, and other important constituents, exhibited their potential as a strong antioxidant that can efficiently neutralize reactive oxygen species. By controlling lipid peroxidation and enhancing cellular resilience, antioxidants present in seeds maintain cellular redox balance, contribute to immunological modulation, and activate critical signaling pathways, including the Nrf2/Keap 1 and NF-κB signaling pathway, which governs the expression of proteins having antioxidant potential. Phytochemicals also exhibit strong anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells while safeguarding healthy cells and tissues. The review emphasizes the potential of phytochemicals as selective growth inhibitors, endorsing their role as functional foods in various nutrition therapies. Beyond biological effects, nanotechnology has improved stability, solubility, and targeted delivery of phytochemicals, significantly enhanced their therapeutic potential. AI-driven approaches and omics technology has revolutionized the phytochemical discovery, formulation, and personalized applications. This review highlights the recent evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, alongside the translational relevance of phytochemicals in food and pharmaceutical industries. By merging molecular insights with technological advancements, this review explores the potential of phytochemicals in preventive and therapeutic strategies against chronic diseases. Future research should focus on personalized delivery systems, human efficacy, and harmonization to maximize their real-world impacts.