Epidemiological investigations have shown that overcoming the risk of cancer is related to the consumption of green vegetables and fruits. Many compounds from different origins, such as terrestrial plants and marine and microbial sources, have been reported to have therapeutic effects of which marine sources are the most important because the diversity of marine life is more varied than other sources. Fucoxanthin is one important compound with a marine origin and belongs to the group of carotenoids; it can be found in marine brown seaweeds, macroalgae, and diatoms, all of which have remarkable biological properties. Numerous studies have shown that fucoxanthin has considerable medicinal potential and promising applications in human health. In this review, we summarize the anticancer effects of fucoxanthin through several different mechanisms including anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and anti-angiogenesis, and its possible role in the treatment of cancer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among highest prevailing cancers in the whole world, especially in western countries. For a diverse of reasons, patients prefer naturally occurring dietary substances over synthetic agents to prevent cancer. Vicenin-2 is largely available in a medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum and is an apigenin form, 6,8-di-C-glucoside, which has been reported to have a range of pharmacological values which includes antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. This study was aimed to analyze the anti-proliferative effect of Vicenin-2 on human colon cancer cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition. Methods: MTT assay was used to assess the cell viability at different concentrations and time point. Vicenin-2 at a concentration of 50 μM (IC₅₀) decreased the phosphorylated (inactive) glycogen synthase kinase-3β, cyclin D1, and non-p-β-catenin expressions in HT-29 cells, which were evidenced through western blot analysis. Results: Further, Vincenin-2 reduced the T-cell factor (TCF) / Leukocyte erythroid factor (LEF) reporter activity in HT-29 cells. Vicenin-2 also promoted substantial cell cycle arrest at the G₂M phase of HT-29 cells, as well induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells, as revealed through flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis showed that Vicenin-2 treatment enhanced the expression of Cytochrome C, Bax and caspase-3 whereas suppressed the Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion: Together, these results revealed that Vicenin-2 can act as a potent inhibitor of HT-29 cell proliferation and can be used as an agent against CRC.

Breast cancer (BC) is a foremost type of cancer in women globally with an increased mortality rate in developing countries. Information regarding hereditary factors, lifestyle, work environment, food habits, and personal history could be useful in diagnosing breast cancer. Among such food habits, the reuse of edible oil for preparing food is a common practice in any developing country. The repeated heating of oils enhances the oxidative degradation of oil to produce polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which could disrupt the redox balance and generate reactive oxygen species. These reactive toxic intermediates can lead to BRCA1 mutations that are responsible for breast cancer. Mutations in DNA are the main cause for the conversion of proto-oncogenes into oncogenes which leads to change in expression and an increase in cell proliferation wherein a normal cell gets transformed into a malignant neoplastic cell. This review summarizes the possible mechanism involved in the induction of breast cancer due to repeated heating of edible.

A solid and useful connection exists among eating regimen and malignancy. An inaccurate diet may increase the incidence of all types of cancer from 10% to 70%. Polyphenols are found in more than 700 foods, particularly foods grown on the ground (such as herbs), flavorings, and even nuts and cocoa items. Many food items considered superfoods; top superfoods include blueberries, apricots, grapes, olives and olive oil, artichoke, herbs (e.g., oregano, peppermint, and cloves), nuts and seeds (e.g., walnuts, almonds and flaxseeds), and green tea. Polyphenolic compounds can lead to epigenetic modification of chromatin and modulation of membrane organization; they can also interfere with interaction of the various macromolecules and regulation of the telomerase activity. They play crucial roles in modulating the multiple cellular pathways individually. Pure polyphenolic agents may be used as therapeutic agents, in combination with conventional therapy for improved cancer treatment. This chapter summarizes the anticancer efficacy of major polyphenolic compounds and discusses the potential mechanisms of action based on epidemiological studies.