Oxidative stress (OS), resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense system, plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Recent research has highlighted the regulatory influence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) on cancer initiation and development through the regulation of redox homeostasis and key signaling pathways, which makes them potential targets for anticancer therapy. The ncRNA–oxidative stress axis contributes to malignancy through DNA damage, altered signaling, and dysregulated molecular networks. Plant-derived dietary components and phytochemicals have garnered significant attention for their ability to restore ROS balance and modulate the ncRNA/OS axis, thereby inhibiting carcinogenesis and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy. To study the interplay between OS, ncRNAs, and the anticancer potential of plant-derived compounds, in this review, we conducted an extensive search of electronic databases to identify and analyze studies that explore the interwork between OS, ncRNAs, and the chemotherapeutic role of phytochemicals. We discuss the dual role of phytochemicals in both cancer induction and suppression, emphasizing their capacity to generate ROS and regulate ncRNA expression. Furthermore, the review underscores the importance of nutritional interventions and antioxidant regulation in cancer chemoprevention and therapy, including the interconnected roles of oxidative stress, ncRNAs, and phytochemicals in cancer development and treatment, with a focus on dietary modulation as a strategic approach in oncology.

The transcription factor NANOG regulates self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic cells, and its downregulation leads to cell differentiation. Recent studies have linked upregulation of NANOG in ... Lay abstract NANOG is a gene that is mainly expressed during development of the embryo. In adult tissues, NANOG is hardly expressed. In embryonal cells, NANOG is responsible for generating stem cel... Graphical abstract

Redox homeostasis, a dynamic process ensuring a balance between cellular oxidizing and reducing reactions, is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular physiology and regulating many biological processes, requiring continuous monitoring and fine-tuning. Reactive species play a critical role in intra/intercellular signaling, and each cell has a specific system guarding cellular redox homeostasis. ROS signaling and oxidative stress are involved in cancer initiation and progression. However, the generation of reactive species beyond the threshold level inside the tumor microenvironment is considered one of the therapeutic approaches. Various studies have shown that some phytochemicals can target the redox homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances have focused on developing and introducing phytochemical interventions as favorable therapeutic options against cancer. However, studies have also suggested the “virtuous” and “evil” impacts of phytochemicals. Some phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy by promoting intracellular oxidant accumulation. However, under certain conditions, some phytochemicals may harm the cellular microenvironment to promote cancer and tend to target different pathways for cancer initiation and development instead of targeting redox homeostasis. In this context, this review is focused on providing an overall understanding of redox homeostasis and intends to highlight the potential positive and negative impacts of phytochemicals in redox homeostasis and disease development. We also discuss the recent nanotechnology-based advancements in combating cancer development.

Background: Cancer is a global health issue and economic burden with a continuous increase in incidence and mortality. Over the years, the underlying molecular mechanism of cancers was thoroughly researched, leading to multiple drugs' development. Unfortunately, most drugs have some serious drawbacks, such as therapy resistance and toxicity. Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has cancer prevention properties, which shifted the attention to the potential role of phytochemicals in anti-carcinogenic activity. Objective: To review the present status of phytochemicals research and patents in cancer prevention and chemosensitization. Methods: We explored the relevant published articles and patents to review the phytochemicals showing cancer preventive role in preclinical settings from 1997 onwards. Results: We summarise the role of phytochemicals on anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-metastatic, and pro-apoptotic activities in both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, phytochemicals might be an excellent chemosensitizing agent against chemoresistant cells and possibly one of the safest and most effective options for cancer therapy. However, one of the limitations of phytochemicals is their poor bioavailability and rapid excretion. Several analogs have been introduced to increase bioavailability, better biological efficacy, absorption, and retention. In fact, various phytochemicals and their analogs have been patented for their anti-cancerous properties. Conclusion: This mini-review discusses various phytochemicals and their anti-cancerous and chemosensitizing roles. Due to their clinical relevance, recent trends in phytochemical extraction and exploration have shown that more and more phytochemicals are being patented.