Targeting Obesity-Driven Inflammation in Cancer Progression: Therapeutic Role of Polyphenol-Rich Natural Products

Obesity, a global epidemic, is increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for cancer development and progression. Central to this association is the state of chronic low-grade inflammation that characterizes obesity, which contributes to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity leads to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, immune cell infiltration, oxidative stress, and dysregulated adipokine secretion. These changes create a fertile ground for malignant transformation and cancer progression. Polyphenol-rich natural products, such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Emerging evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials suggests that these polyphenols can modulate obesity-induced inflammation and thereby inhibit cancer initiation and metastasis. This review highlights the mechanistic link between obesity, inflammation, and cancer, and evaluates the therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich compounds in disrupting this axis. A deeper understanding of these natural products’ molecular mechanisms may pave the way for novel, safe, and effective strategies for cancer prevention and therapy, particularly in obese individuals. Keywords: Obesity-driven inflammation; polyphenols; cancer progression; natural products; tumor microenvironment.