An Update on Antitumor Efficacy of Catechins - From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys

Carcinogenesis describes how carcinogens drive cancer development. Broad research indicates that regular consumption of diverse fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of certain cancers. Catechins, abundant in plant-derived foods and beverages, exhibit anti-cancer activities. Mechanistic studies clarify how catechins inhibit carcinogenesis and support evaluation of their effects on human cancer. The review summarizes catechins in prevention and therapy, emphasizing altered signaling, reduced cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, molecular modifications of epigallocatechin gallate and catechins, and nanostructure-based delivery strategies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Antitumor efficacy of catechins

Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

Effects on proliferation and apoptosis

Molecular modifications and nanostructure delivery methods

Food Science & Nutrition REVIEW OPEN ACCESS An Update on Antitumor Efficacy of Catechins: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou1 | Boniface Kamdem Pone2 | Regina Appiah-Oppong3 | Vincent Ngouana4 | Issakou Bakarnga-Via5 | David Ntieche Woutouoba2 | Valerie Flore Donfack Donkeng6 | Lauve Rachel Tchokouaha Yamthe7 | Fabrice Fekam Boyom2 | Dilek Arslan Ateşşahin8 | Javad Sharifi-Rad9,10,11 | Daniela Calina12 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon | 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon | 3Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana | 4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon | 5Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Human Health Sciences, University of Ndjamena, Ndjamena, Chad | 6Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon | 7Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon | 8Department of Plant and Animal Production, Baskil Vocational School, Fırat University, Elazıg, Turkey | 9Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador | 10Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos y Universitarios del Golfo, Veracruz, Mexico | 11Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | 12Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania Correspondence: Javad Sharifi-Rad ([javad.sharifirad@gmail.com](javad.sharifirad@gmail.com)) | Daniela Calina ([calinadaniela@gmail.com](calinadaniela@gmail.com)) Received: 24 March 2024 | Revised: 21 January 2025 | Accepted: 2 April 2025 Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. Keywords: catechins | chemoprevention | molecular mechanisms | oncology | pharmacodynamics | polyphenols | therapeutics ABSTRACT Carcinogenesis is the process by which substances that cause cancer (carcinogens) produce cancer. Extensive research conducted in recent years shows that the risk of developing certain cancers can be reduced by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables regularly. Catechins, which are more prevalent in foods and beverages made from plants, are known to have anti-cancer effects. Detailed mechanistic studies are helpful in understanding the inhibitory effects of catechins on carcinogenesis and providing background information for evaluating the effects of catechins on human carcinogenesis. This article provides an overview of catechins and their potential roles in cancer prevention and treatment, focusing on how they alter signaling pathways, slow cell proliferation, and trigger apoptosis. Also, this article discusses molecular modifications of epigallocatechin gallate and catechinsas well as delivery methods based on nanostructures. | Abbreviations: 5-8F, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; A549, adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells; Akt (PKB), protein kinase B; AR, androgen receptor; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; B[a]P, benzo[a]pyrene; Bax, Bcl-2-associated X protein; Bcl-2, B-cell lymphoma-2; Bcl-x(L), extra-large B-cell lymphoma; Caco2, colon adenocarcinoma; CD44, cell surface adhesion receptor; cdk, cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase; CDK4, cyclin dependent kinase 4; cki, cyclin kinase inhibitor; C-Myc, MYC proto-oncogene, BHLH transcription factor; CNE-2, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells; COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2; CSCs, human cancer stem cells; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate; EMP, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; GADD, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible; GSK-3β, glycogen synthase kinase-3 β; Hs578T, human breast cancer epithelial cells; HT-1080, fibrosarcoma cells; HuH7, hepatocyte derived cellular carcino

FAQs

What does the review state about catechins and cancer risk?

Catechins are described as plant-derived compounds with anti-cancer effects, and research suggests dietary intake may reduce risk for certain cancers.

Which biological processes does the article emphasize for catechin action?

The review highlights signaling pathway alterations, slowing of cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis.

How does the article discuss improving or applying catechins therapeutically?

It covers molecular modifications of epigallocatechin gallate and catechins, along with delivery methods based on nanostructures.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Rhys