Cancer Chemoprevention by Polyphenols and Their Potential Application as Nanomedicine

Abstract

Today cancer is a leading cause of death among the developed countries. Its highly complex nature makes it difficult to understand as it entails multiple cellular physiological systems such as cell signaling and apoptosis. The biggest challenges faced by cancer chemoprevention/chemotherapy is maintaining drug circulation and avoiding multidrug resistance. Overall there is modest evidence regarding the protective effects of nutrients from supplements against a number of cancers. Numerous scientific literatures available advocate the use of polyphenols for chemoprevention. Some groups have also suggested use of combination of nutrients in cancer prevention. However, we have yet to obtain the desired results in the line of cancer chemotherapy research. Nanotechnology can play a pivotal role in cancer treatment and prevention. Moreover, nanoparticles can be modified in various ways to prolong circulation, enhance drug localization, increase drug efficacy, and potentially decrease the chances of multidrug resistance. In this communication, we will cover the use of various polyphenols and nutrients in cancer chemoprevention. The application of nanotechnology in this regard will also be included. In view of available reports on the potential of nanoparticles, we suggest their usage along with different combination of nutrients as cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Key Words:

• cancer
• chemoprevention/chemotherapy
• polyphenols
• nanotechnology
• nanomedicine

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge the research facility provided by the King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Aligarh Muslim University and Integral University, India. Authors would also like to thank Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University for providing grant, bearing number: 432/102 for the establishment of state of the art research facilities at KFMRC.