Major Plant-Based Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Melanoma—A Mini Review

Melanoma, particularly the malignant type owing to its aggressive metastatic potential, is one of the most severe cancers. When detected early, the cure rate of melanoma is very promising and has a higher 5-year survival rate. However, it becomes very difficult to treat when it has spread to deeper layers of the skin and to other parts of the body. Despite the reduced mortality, the incidence of melanoma is on the rise due to exposure to various environmental factors, particularly UV radiation without protection. Naturally occurring dietary agents have been studied for their antitumor and chemopreventive potential against the development of various cancers including melanoma. The current review is aimed at compiling developments in the past ten years surrounding their preclinical and clinical relevance in the treatment and prevention of malignant melanoma. Various cellular pathways modulated by these phytochemicals are also examined to provide a comprehensive overview of their mechanisms involved in reducing tumor burden. Specifically, the review focuses on the most consumed foods across the world that are rich in such phytochemicals including curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and their potential against the development of melanoma.