Bioactive compounds: scientific evidence on their impact in cancer’s prevention and treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59057/iberoleon.20075316.202642800Keywords:
Bioactive compounds, cancer, prevention, treatment, mechanisms of actionAbstract
This scientific review article examines the role of bioactive compounds of dietary origin as potential tools for both the prevention and complementary treatment of cancer, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main groups of bioactive compounds are analyzed, along with their most relevant dietary sources; these compounds have demonstrated significant biological effects through various mechanisms of action, notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and gene expression-modulating activities, which contribute to inhibiting tumor development and progression. Likewise, the types of cancer for which there is the strongest scientific evidence are described, including breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer, based on in vitro studies, animal models, and preliminary clinical trials. Despite promising results, clinical evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, making it difficult to establish therapeutic recommendations. For this reason, the need for clinical studies to define safe and effective doses is emphasized, along with strategies to improve the bioavailability of these compounds, in order to optimize their application in clinical practice and oncological nutrition.
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