Targeting cancer with delphinidin: from molecular insights to therapeutic implications

Delphinidin is a natural anthocyanidin abundant in various fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It has garnered significant attention due to its potent antioxidant activity and extensive anticancer potential. This review systematically elaborates on its chemical structure, biosynthetic pathways, and therapeutic roles, with a focus on its molecular mechanisms, cancer-specific effects, and clinical challenges. Mechanistically, delphinidin exerts anticancer effects through multiple pathways, including anti-proliferative activity, promotion of apoptosis, regulation of autophagy, inhibition of migration and invasion, suppression of angiogenesis, modulation of the immune microenvironment, and chemosensitization. These multi-target actions contribute to its pronounced tumor-suppressive effects in a broad spectrum of cancers, including but not limited to breast, lung, liver, colorectal, prostate, and ovarian malignancies. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, the clinical translation of delphinidin is primarily hindered by its low oral bioavailability and poor stability. Emerging strategies such as nano-delivery systems and structural modifications are being actively explored to overcome these limitations. In summary, as a multi-targeted, low-toxicity natural compound, delphinidin holds broad application prospects in cancer prevention, treatment, and combination therapy, provided that its pharmacological challenges can be successfully addressed.