Resveratrol Applications in Cancer Therapy

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic stilbene found in grapes, berries and peanuts, exhibits multifaceted anticancer properties across numerous tumour types. Its mechanisms encompass direct induction of apoptosis, inhibition of tumour cell proliferation via cell‐cycle arrest, suppression of metastatic processes and modulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. At the molecular level, resveratrol interacts with key regulators such as p53, NF-κB, AMPK and SIRT1 to restore apoptotic signalling, reduce angiogenesis and sensitise malignant cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Despite its potent bioactivity in vitro and in vivo, clinical translation has been hindered by rapid metabolism, poor solubility and limited systemic bioavailability. Advances in formulation science—liposomal encapsulation, nanoparticle carriers and resveratrol analogues—have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics and enhanced tumour targeting. The compound’s ability to reverse multidrug resistance and to act synergistically with standard drugs positions it as a promising adjuvant in combination therapies. Ongoing research aims to refine delivery systems, define optimal dosing regimens and identify patient populations most likely to benefit, with a view to integrating resveratrol into precision oncology frameworks globally.

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Resveratrol Applications in Cancer Therapy publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in resveratrol applications in cancer therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

p53: A tumour suppressor protein that regulates DNA repair, cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to genomic damage.

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT): A phenotypic switch whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, promoting invasion and metastasis.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs): A subpopulation of tumour cells with self-renewal capacity and high resistance to conventional therapies.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an administered compound reaching systemic circulation in an active form.

SIRT1: An NAD+-dependent deacetylase involved in stress responses, metabolism and ageing, which modulates cancer cell survival.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK): A cellular energy sensor kinase that regulates metabolic homeostasis and can inhibit tumour growth.

References

1. Resveratrol and p53: How are they involved in CRC plasticity and apoptosis?. Journal of Advanced Research (2024).
2. The Role of Resveratrol in Cancer Therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).
3. Properties of Resveratrol: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies about Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Biological Effects in Animal Models and Humans. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2015).
4. The therapeutic potential of resveratrol: a review of clinical trials. npj Precision Oncology (2017).
5. Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanisms of Resveratrol. Molecules (2021).
6. SIRT1 Is Required for AMPK Activation and the Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol on Mitochondrial Function. Cell Metabolism (2012).