Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactivities of Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals encompass diverse plant‐derived compounds—such as flavonoids, dihydrochalcones and phenolic acids—that protect cellular structures by neutralising reactive oxygen species and modulating signalling pathways linked to tumour growth. Through direct scavenging of free radicals, chelation of transition metals and up-regulation of endogenous defence enzymes, these natural agents mitigate oxidative stress, a key driver of DNA damage, chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Beyond antioxidant capacity, many phytochemicals exert antiproliferative effects in transformed cells by arresting the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways and inhibiting angiogenesis. Their capacity to down-regulate glucose transporters and disrupt energy metabolism further undermines tumour survival. Advancements in extraction, formulation and delivery have enhanced bioavailability, enabling translation into functional foods, nutraceuticals and adjunctive therapies. The global impact of this research extends across dietary guidelines, crop breeding programmes and the design of synthetically optimised analogues for clinical evaluation.

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Antioxidant and Anticancer Bioactivities of Phytochemicals publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in antioxidant and anticancer bioactivities of phytochemicals across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Phytochemical: A bioactive, non-nutritive compound produced by plants, often with health-promoting properties.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that can damage cellular components if not neutralised.

Polyphenol: A class of compounds featuring multiple phenolic rings, known for potent antioxidant and signalling activities.

Apoptosis: Programmed cell death involving a regulated cascade of molecular events to remove damaged or unwanted cells.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an ingested substance that reaches systemic circulation in an active form.

References

1. Apple Pomace as a Potential Source of Oxidative Stress-Protecting Dihydrochalcones. Antioxidants (2024).
2. Biochemical Basis of Anti-Cancer-Effects of Phloretin—A Natural Dihydrochalcone. Molecules (2019).
3. The Bioavailability, Extraction, Biosynthesis and Distribution of Natural Dihydrochalcone: Phloridzin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).