Abstract

ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF PLANT-ORIGIN NUTRACEUTICAL CONSTITUENTS: TREATMENT APPROACHES AND MECHANISMS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

S. Tharunkumar*, S. Pravin Kumar, C. Santhoshini, G. Poonguzhali, M. Deepak Kumar, G. Kathirvel

Abstract

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. Plant-origin nutraceuticals, rich in bioactive compounds, have emerged as promising agents for cancer prevention and treatment due to their multi-targeted biological activities. This review explores the anticancer potential of plant-derived nutraceutical constituents, focusing on their therapeutic applications and underlying molecular mechanisms. Key phytochemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and organosulfur compounds, exhibit potent effects against various cancer types. These compounds exert anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis, promoting cell cycle arrest, inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis, and modulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Critical signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, are regulated by these bioactive molecules, providing insight into their mechanistic roles. Preclinical studies demonstrate significant tumorsuppressive effects in vitro and in vivo, while emerging clinical evidence supports their potential as adjuvants to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. Despite these promising findings, challenges such as poor bioavailability, variability in phytochemical content, and limited large-scale clinical trials restrict their widespread application. The review emphasizes future directions, including the development of advanced delivery systems, nano-formulations, and personalized nutraceutical strategies, to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Overall, plant-origin nutraceutical constituents represent a valuable complementary approach in cancer management, offering a potential pathway to safer, multi-targeted therapies with reduced adverse effects.

Keywords: Plant-derived nutraceuticals, Bioactive compounds, Cancer therapy, Phytochemicals, Apoptosis, Cell signaling pathways, Chemoprevention, Angiogenesis inhibition.