The Potential of Resveratrol as an Anticancer Agent: Updated Overview of Mechanisms, Applications, and Perspectives

Abstract

The natural polyphenol resveratrol, found in several plants, has garnered significant interest due to its beneficial effects on health and for its potential anticancer properties. Studies have demonstrated that it can alter various signaling pathways linked to cancer development and that it inhibits tumor development and spread by exerting several antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic mechanisms. Its role in regulating oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications further enhances its therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, despite promising preclinical results, clinical translation is to some extent limited by bioavailability, metabolism, and dosage. This updated review explores the mechanisms, also from a structural point of view, behind the anticancer properties of resveratrol, focusing on its impact on crucial signaling networks in different cancer models. Additionally, it overviews the current limitations of resveratrol-based treatments and suggests potential improvements through innovative delivery methods, drug combination approaches, and development of new derivatives. This review was conceived as an update with respect to contributions already present in the literature, thus particular attention has been dedicated to the contribution reported in the literature within the last 5 years and to these studies reporting in vivo data.

Keywords: angiogenesis; anticancer; apoptosis; medicinal chemistry; resveratrol.