Targeting microbiota-host interactions with resveratrol on cancer: Effects and potential mechanisms of action

Abstract

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound detected in grapes, berries, and red wine. The anticancer activities of RSV have been observed in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the pharmacology mechanism of RSV is confusing due to its low bioavailability. According to studies of the metabolic characteristics of RSV, the gut intestine is a crucial site of its health benefits. Dietary RSV exhibits a profound effect on the gut microbiota structure and metabolic function. In addition, emerging evidence demonstrates a protective effect of RSV metabolites against carcinogenesis. Therefore, to better understand the anticancer mechanisms of dietary RSV, it is vital to evaluate the role of RSV-microbiota-host interactions in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized significant findings on the anticancer activities of RSV based on epidemiological, experimental and clinical studies involved in investigating the metabolic characteristics and the traditional anticancer mechanisms of RSV. Special attention is given to the putative mechanisms involving microbiota-host interactions, such as the modulation of gut microecology and the anticancer effects of RSV metabolites. The changes in microbiota-host interactions after RSV supplementation play vital roles in cancer prevention and thus offering a new perspective on nutritional interventions to treat cancer.

Keywords:

• Resveratrol
• anticancer activity
• metabolism characterization
• gut microbiota
• metabolites

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing financial and non-financial interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (32101959), Young Investigator Fund of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (202244), Young Talen Award of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (130110114), the Collaborative Innovation Center of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (KJCX201915), Scientific and Technological Innovation Ability Foundation of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (KJCX20200208) and China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MRAR (CARS-23).