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Phytochemicals for the Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Cancer: Effects and Mechanisms

Summary

This research examines how natural compounds found in foods can help prevent and treat stomach cancer. These compounds work through multiple mechanisms to kill cancer cells, stop tumor growth, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. Most importantly, they tend to have fewer side effects than traditional cancer drugs. Impacts on everyday life: – Eating more fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods rich in these compounds may help reduce stomach cancer risk – Natural compounds could be developed into safer cancer prevention supplements and treatments – Combining certain natural compounds with cancer drugs may improve treatment outcomes – Understanding these mechanisms helps explain why a healthy diet is important for cancer prevention – This research supports traditional knowledge about the health benefits of plant-based foods

Background

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 783,000 deaths in 2018. Current treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery often have severe side effects and limited success rates due to drug resistance. Natural dietary products and their phytochemicals have shown promise as alternative strategies for prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Objective

This review aims to summarize the effects of phytochemicals on the prevention and management of gastric cancer, with intensive discussion of mechanisms of action, and examination of bioavailability and safety considerations. The goal is to provide an updated understanding of relationships between phytochemicals and gastric cancer to guide public health recommendations and development of functional foods and drugs.

Results

Most epidemiological studies showed inverse associations between consumption of phytochemical-rich foods and gastric cancer risk. Experimental studies revealed multiple mechanisms including: inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis, reduction of H. pylori infection, and modulation of gut microbiota. Clinical trials demonstrated efficacy of several phytochemicals, particularly in combination with conventional treatments. Many phytochemicals showed low toxicity compared to conventional drugs.

Conclusion

Phytochemicals represent a promising strategy for gastric cancer prevention and treatment through multiple mechanisms. The public should be encouraged to consume natural dietary products rich in diverse phytochemicals. These compounds could be developed into functional foods and pharmaceuticals, though more research is needed on specific mechanisms, bioavailability, and safety in humans.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms21020570
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