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Review
. 2025 Jul 30:12:1627949.
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1627949. eCollection 2025.

From laboratory to clinic: opportunities and challenges of functional food active ingredients in cancer therapy

Nie Zhang  1   2 , Yanzhi Ren  3 , Yahui Xu  1   4
Affiliations
Review

From laboratory to clinic: opportunities and challenges of functional food active ingredients in cancer therapy

Nie Zhang et al. Front Nutr. .

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of functional food active ingredients in cancer prevention and therapy. It outlines the multifaceted anticancer mechanisms of bioactive compounds-such as polyphenols, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, alkaloids, isothiocyanates, polysaccharides, phenolic acids, flavonols, and amide-bearing compounds-which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, interference with cell cycle regulation and signaling pathways, and regulation of cancer-related microRNA expression. The review further discusses the synergistic effects of these compounds when combined with conventional treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy, highlighting their role in enhancing efficacy and mitigating side effects. Despite promising preclinical data, challenges such as poor bioavailability, dose-dependent safety concerns, and the need for large-scale randomized clinical trials and regulatory standardization remain. Proposed future directions include advanced nanodelivery systems, eutectic technologies, and precision nutrition strategies, which together could accelerate the translation of these natural compounds from the laboratory to clinical application. Ultimately, the integration of functional food active ingredients into comprehensive cancer care may offer novel, safer, and more personalized approaches to oncologic treatment and prevention.

Keywords: bioactive compounds; cancer therapy; functional food; nanodelivery systems; precision nutrition.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Illustration showing various food compounds: polyphenols, phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, polysaccharides, carotenoids, isothiocyanates, amides, flavonols, and phenolic acids. Each compound image points towards a central representation of cells, suggesting their biological impact. The compounds include diverse foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts, emphasizing their health benefits.
Figure 1
Schematic diagram of anticancer mechanisms of functional food active ingredients. Created with figdraw.com.
Chemical structures of various natural compounds are depicted in a 5x5 grid. Each image shows the structural formula of compounds like Curcumin, Resveratrol, EGCG, Quercetin, Carotenoid, Lutein, EPA, DHA, β-sitosterol, Berberine, Paclitaxel, Triptolide, Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Sulforaphane, β-glucan, Fucoidan, Chitosan, Gallic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Kaempferol, Fisetin, Capsaicin, and Piperine. Each compound name is labeled below its respective structure.
Figure 2
Chemical structures of representative dietary anticancer bioactives.
Diagram illustrating the dual effects of polyphenols on cancer. On the left, arrows point to processes promoted by polyphenols: tumor growth, angiogenesis, EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition), onco-miRNAs, and inflammation. On the right, arrows point to inhibited processes: immunomodulation, autophagy, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and VHL (von Hippel-Lindau). Icons represent each process.
Figure 3
Polyphenols target multiple hallmarks of cancer. The green arrows refer to promotion or increase, whereas the red hammerhead lines refer to inhibition. Created with figdraw.com.
Diagram illustrating the effects of Omega-3 on cellular processes. Omega-3 influences resolvins, inhibiting NF-kB and COX pathways, reducing PGE2 production. It impacts EGFR, PI3K, RAS pathways, affecting AKT, MAPK, and ROS. This modulates miR-21, miR-23b, and let-7a, influencing apoptosis, proliferation, and pyroptosis. Small images of Omega-3 rich foods and a cancer cell are shown.
Figure 4
Omega-3 fatty acids modulate oncogenic and inflammatory pathways. Created with figdraw.com.
Diagram showing the biological effects of isothiocyanates, focusing on cancer prevention and treatment. On the left, it highlights cell cycle arrest, HDAC inhibition, anti-inflammation, and the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. On the right, it illustrates apoptosis induction, Nrf2 activation, miRNA modulation, and enhanced anti-tumor immunity involving NK and T cells. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts represent sources of isothiocyanates in the center.
Figure 5
Isothiocyanates target multiple cancer pathways. The green arrows refer to promotion or increase, whereas the red hammerhead lines refer to inhibition. Created with figdraw.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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